Growing up in a busy household, weeknight dinners were all about efficiency. My mom, juggling work and raising kids, had little time for elaborate meals but always managed to make something satisfying. One of her signatures was a simple chicken pasta dish—something she could throw together quickly but that always left us feeling full, happy, and comforted.
Years later, I found myself craving those flavors after a particularly exhausting day. I didn’t want to fuss over multiple pans or clean up a sink full of dishes. What I wanted was something hearty, creamy, cheesy, and familiar, all in one pot. And so, this One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Marinara Penne was born—a dish that takes the cozy, nostalgic flavors of a classic chicken pasta and simplifies it even further.
It’s the perfect reminder that the best meals don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest dishes, made with love, pack the biggest punch.
What Makes This One-Pot Chicken Marinara Penne So Irresistible
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
One of the biggest appeals of this dish is its one-pot nature. Everything—chicken, pasta, sauce, broth, and cheese—cooks together in a single skillet or pot. This means:
- Fewer dishes to wash: You won’t have to juggle boiling pasta separately or manage multiple burners.
- Flavor layering: The pasta absorbs the chicken broth and marinara sauce as it cooks, creating a rich, cohesive flavor throughout the dish.
- Perfect consistency: The starch from the pasta naturally thickens the sauce, resulting in a creamy, clingy texture that binds everything together beautifully.
Of course! Here’s the well-structured recipe, creatively formatted for easy inclusion in your content
Ingredients: Flavorful Simplicity at Its Best
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta Dish:
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions: From Skillet to Table in No Time
- In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, add diced chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in marinara sauce, mixing well to coat the chicken.
- Add uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving Approximation)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550-600 kcal |
| Protein | 40-45 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40-45 g |
| Fat | 25-30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12-15 g |
| Fiber | 2-3 g |
| Sugar | 3-5 g |
| Sodium | 800-900 mg |
| Calcium | 25-30% |
| Iron | 12-15% |
Cheesy, Creamy Goodness
It’s hard to resist a pasta dish loaded with melted cheese. Mozzarella brings the classic stretchy, gooey element, while Parmesan adds a nutty, salty depth. The combination is simple, but when stirred into the saucy pasta, it transforms into pure comfort in a bowl.
Wholesome & Balanced
This dish isn’t just indulgent—it’s well-rounded:
- Lean Protein: Chicken breasts provide a lean, high-protein base.
- Rich Sauce: Marinara sauce brings the goodness of tomatoes, a natural source of vitamins and antioxidants.
- Carb Energy: Penne pasta offers filling carbohydrates, making it a great meal for busy days or post-workout refueling.
- Customizable: It can easily be modified for different dietary needs without losing its soul-satisfying charm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this pasta dish is a must-have in your weekly meal rotation:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to whatever’s in your pantry or fridge.
Creative Variations & Customization Ideas
What makes this dish even better is how adaptable it is to personal tastes:
Make It Creamier:
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese along with the shredded cheese for an ultra-creamy texture.
Vegetable Boost:
Throw in some spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers while the pasta cooks to sneak in extra nutrients.
Protein Swaps:
Swap chicken breasts with ground turkey, sausage, or even plant-based protein for a different twist.
Pasta Options:
Use whole wheat penne, gluten-free pasta, or any short-cut pasta like rotini or rigatoni.
Herb Upgrades:
Add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to enhance the Italian flavors.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
This Cheesy Chicken Marinara Penne is ideal for leftovers and meal prepping:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the creamy texture.
Perfect Pairings: Round Out Your Meal
Although this dish is a complete meal on its own, here are a few side options to take it to the next level:
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread complements the creamy pasta perfectly.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Roasted Veggies: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or brussels sprouts add texture and color to your plate.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of light red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle works well. Even spaghetti or linguine can be used, though the cooking time and liquid absorption might vary slightly.
2. Is it necessary to use chicken broth, or can I substitute it?
Chicken broth adds rich, savory depth. However, vegetable broth or even plain water can be used if needed. Adjust seasoning accordingly to make up for the lost flavor.
3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! If using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, simply skip the initial sautéing step. Add the chicken when you add the marinara sauce and pasta to warm through.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the chicken and replace it with your favorite plant-based protein like chickpeas, tofu, or extra veggies. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Portion into airtight containers, allow to cool completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. Add a little broth or water when reheating to keep it creamy.
6. Can I make it spicier?
Of course! Add red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños when cooking the chicken for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts: A Dish You’ll Come Back to Again & Again
In a world of ever-complicated recipes and trendy ingredients, sometimes what we need most is something simple, reliable, and comforting. This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Marinara Penne checks all the boxes—quick to prepare, minimal cleanup, packed with flavor, and universally loved.
It’s the kind of meal that feels like home, no matter where you are. The savory marinara, melty cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a harmony that’s both satisfying and soul-soothing. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, a cozy dinner for two, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
So next time life feels chaotic, let this one-pot wonder remind you that comfort and flavor are just one skillet away.
Print
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Marinara Penne is the ultimate comfort meal made effortlessly in a single skillet! Juicy chicken, tender penne pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese come together in under 30 minutes for a satisfying, family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until browned and almost cooked through.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce, uncooked penne pasta, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute chicken breasts with pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken; simply skip the browning step and add the chicken when adding marinara sauce and pasta.
- Customize by adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- To make it vegetarian, omit chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
