Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Directions:
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 12 ounces of your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of diced white onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in 24 ounces of marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce mixture. Gently stir until the pasta is well coated.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For an extra crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil if desired, and dig into your hearty Chicken Parmesan Pasta!
Notes
- For a low-carb option, consider using zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Add more ground chicken or cooked chickpeas for extra protein.
- For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Make-ahead by preparing up to the baking step, refrigerate, and bake later.
