Ingredients

The following ingredients have 6 Servings
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 16 ounces short pasta noodles such as penne, ziti, or cellentani
  • 30 ounce jar of your favorite marinara sauce
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 ⅓ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
  • ½ cup Italian style breadcrumbs (or regular bread crumbs + 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning)
  • optional: fresh parsley, basil, or thyme for garnish

Instruction

  • In a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil, then add chicken pieces. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the chicken. Stir over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. (Chicken will not be completely cooked through at this point) Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  • Add garlic to the pan and saute for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce and water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a high simmer.
  • Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, uncooked pasta noodles, and chicken and give it a good stir.
  • Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir in parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese until melted.
  • While pasta is cooking, combine butter and breadcrumbs in a bowl and stir to coat.
  • Top pasta with remaining mozzarella cheese and cover until melted. Sprinkle with breadcrumb, transfer to oven and broil for 1-2 minutes until breadcrumbs are toasted. *If you are not using an oven-safe pot or skillet, you can toast the breadcrumbs in a pan over medium heat, stirring throughout, for 3-4 minutes before sprinkling over pasta.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs and cracked black pepper if desired and serve.