Ingredients
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups marinara sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
8 oz (225g) uncooked rotini or penne pasta
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. **Season Chicken:** In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the cubed chicken in this spice mixture to coat evenly.
2. **Sear Chicken:** Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned on the outside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet).
3. **Add Liquids & Pasta:** Pour in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and uncooked pasta. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
4. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir once or twice halfway through to prevent sticking.
5. **Check Pasta:** Remove the lid. The pasta should be tender (al dente) and most of the liquid should be absorbed/thickened.
6. **Make it Cheesy:** Stir in the heavy cream and let it bubble for 1 minute. Remove the skillet from the heat.
7. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
8. **Serve:** Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Pasta Shape: Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work best for one-pan meals as they cook evenly and hold the sauce well.
Sauce Consistency: If the liquid evaporates too quickly before the pasta is done, add a splash more broth or water. If it’s too soup-like at the end, simmer uncovered for another 2 minutes.
Cheese Tip: For the smoothest sauce, shred your own cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in starch which can make the sauce slightly grainy.
Add Veggies: You can easily stir in baby spinach at the very end (let it wilt), or add diced bell peppers when cooking the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot / Skillet
- Cuisine: American