Skillet Chicken Pasta
Try this Skillet Chicken Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Skillet Chicken Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons italian dressing (not the creamy kind)
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes
- 16 ounces small/medium sized rigatoni pasta
- 1 24- ounce jar of your favorite marinara pasta sauce (i love dela
- chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- Carbohydrate 2.54773333592233 g
- Cholesterol 57.4133333913022 mg
- Fat 15.9615666832271 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 23.0388666902659 g
- Saturated Fat 9.92166334357546 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (534g)
- Sodium 798.443907026604 mg
- Sugar 2.54773333592233 g
- Trans Fat 0.896196667613063 g
- Calories 248 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat chicken and Italian dressing in a large 12 inch skillet over medium high heat (If you don't own a large skillet, you can use a stock pot).
- Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook chicken until browned and just cooked through, about 5 minutes depending on thickness of chicken.
- Add the box of pasta and the entire jar of marinara. Fill the empty marinara jar with water and add to the skillet. If using a stockpot, use 2 cups water. Lightly stir the mixture to combine.
- Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender to your liking.
- Cover with grated parmesan and then shredded mozzarella. No need to stir. Continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes or until cheese is fully melted. You can also broil the entire skillet for about 4 minutes to make the cheese extra melty!
- Top with chopped basil (optional) and serve! Enjoy!
Skillet Chicken Pasta: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious. That's why I've fallen head over heels for this Skillet Chicken Pasta recipe. Forget elaborate prep work and multiple dishes – this one-pan wonder is a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when even thinking about cooking feels overwhelming.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It leverages pantry staples – pasta, marinara sauce, chicken – and transforms them into a comforting, satisfying meal. The chicken cooks beautifully in the skillet, becoming tender and slightly browned, while the pasta simmers to perfection in the flavorful sauce. The addition of parmesan and mozzarella cheese adds a creamy, decadent touch, taking this dish from simple to spectacular. And honestly, the cleanup is minimal – just one skillet to wash!
I often adapt this recipe to suit my family's preferences. Sometimes, I add a handful of spinach or mushrooms during the simmering process for an extra boost of nutrients. Other times, I experiment with different pasta shapes – penne, rotini, or even fusilli work wonderfully. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond its practicality, this Skillet Chicken Pasta offers a comforting familiarity. It's the kind of dish that evokes warm memories of family dinners, and it’s easy to make it feel special. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a touch of elegance, transforming a simple weeknight meal into something slightly more sophisticated. Sometimes I even serve it with a side salad for a more complete and balanced dinner.
The entire cooking process, from start to finish, takes about 25 minutes. That’s faster than ordering takeout, and the results are infinitely more satisfying. Knowing I’ve created a delicious and healthy meal for my family in such a short amount of time is incredibly rewarding. It's a small victory in the midst of a busy week, a moment of quiet satisfaction amidst the daily chaos.
Tips and Tricks for Skillet Chicken Pasta Success:
- Don't overcrowd the skillet: If your chicken is too thick, you might want to cut it into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. It also cooks faster when it's thinner.
- Adjust the water: Depending on your stove and the type of pasta you use, you may need to add a little more or less water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Embrace the texture variations: The pasta closest to the bottom of the skillet will be slightly crispier than the pasta on top. This adds a nice textural contrast to the dish. Don't worry about perfectly even pasta texture – that’s half the charm!
- Get creative with additions: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, to the skillet along with the chicken and pasta.
- Experiment with cheeses: While parmesan and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to use other cheeses such as provolone, asiago, or even a blend of different cheeses.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
This Skillet Chicken Pasta isn't just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simplicity. It's a quick, easy, and delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a dish that allows me to nourish my family while still having time for everything else life throws my way. Give it a try – I guarantee it will become a staple in your kitchen too.
This recipe represents more than just a quick dinner; it's a symbol of efficiency and resourcefulness in the face of a hectic schedule. The ease of preparation, combined with the delightful flavors and minimal cleanup, makes it a true winner in my book. The adaptability of the recipe also allows for creative expression, making it a truly versatile and enjoyable meal for the whole family.
So the next time you're facing a weeknight dinner dilemma, remember this Skillet Chicken Pasta. It's a reliable friend in the kitchen, always ready to deliver a delicious and satisfying meal without demanding too much of your precious time or energy. Enjoy!
