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–+ servings
Italian Chicken and Penne

One-Pan Italian Chicken and Penne

The Crispy Chef
This hearty Italian-inspired dinner combines tender chicken, savory marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta—all made in a single pan. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up all the rich flavors for a comforting meal that's ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 510 kcal

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid, at least 5-quart capacity
  • Tongs
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1/2 tsp (3 g) salt, divided
  • 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 oz / 680 g) jar marinara or pasta sauce
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 lb (450 g) dry penne pasta
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high and brown chicken 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  • Stir in marinara sauce, chicken broth, and water. Scrape bottom of pan. Add remaining salt and Italian seasoning.
  • Add dry penne pasta and browned chicken. Stir to coat and submerge pasta in liquid.
  • Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is al dente and liquid absorbed.
  • Let rest 5 minutes to thicken. Serve topped with Parmesan.

Notes

Use a quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. Be sure to stir the pasta every few minutes to prevent sticking. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water; if too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Leftovers keep well for 3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 510kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 35gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 760mgFiber: 5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 130mgIron: 3.8mg
Keyword chicken and pasta skillet, easy penne dinner, italian chicken pasta, one pan pasta
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