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One-pan cheesy chicken pasta alla Norma

One-pan cheesy chicken pasta alla Norma
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One-pan cheesy chicken pasta alla Norma is a hearty and satisfying dish combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables like eggplant and cherry tomatoes, and gooey melted cheeses in a single skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful Italian-inspired recipe delivers creamy comfort and vibrant colors in under 40 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 1 medium eggplant, diced into small cubes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Pasta and Cheese

  • 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids and Fats

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Seasonings

  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and dice the eggplant into small cubes. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and finely chop the onion and garlic to create a flavorful base.
  2. Sauté aromatics and chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they start to brown but are not fully done.
  3. Add eggplant and tomatoes: Stir in the diced eggplant and halved cherry tomatoes. Allow them to soften and blend with the chicken, bringing out their natural sweetness and enhancing the dish’s texture.
  4. Pour in broth and pasta: Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the skillet, then add uncooked pasta directly into the pan. Mix everything well, cover the skillet, and let the pasta simmer gently in the broth until it absorbs most of the liquid and becomes tender (about 15-20 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Stir in cheeses and basil: Remove the lid once the pasta is cooked al dente. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Gently stir to melt the cheese into the sauce, then fold in fresh basil leaves for a bright, fragrant finish.

Notes

  • Cut chicken into uniform sizes for even cooking.
  • Use fresh vegetables and herbs to boost flavor and color.
  • Simmer the pasta gently to prevent sticking.
  • Add cheese at the end to keep it melty and avoid overheating.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes off heat to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta, pasta alla Norma, easy weeknight dinner, skillet pasta

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/one-pan-cheesy-chicken-pasta-alla-norma/