Budget-Friendly Chicken Parmesan Pasta (Print Version)

Pasta, chicken, marinara, and cheese create a deliciously filling meal that's both easy and budget-friendly.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

→ Chicken

02 - 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), diced
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)

→ Sauce

06 - 2 cups jarred marinara sauce
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Cheese

10 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Optional Garnishes

12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley

# Method:

01 - Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
03 - Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden.
04 - Pour in the marinara sauce. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes to heat through.
05 - Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce and chicken.
06 - Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and let sit for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with chopped basil or parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses affordable pantry staples you likely already have
  • Requires only one pot and one pan for easy cleanup
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners when time is limited
  • Adaptable to whatever pasta shape you have available
  • Kid approved while still sophisticated enough for adults
02 -
  • This dish costs approximately $2.50 per serving making it truly budget friendly
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop
  • Can be assembled ahead and baked for a make ahead meal option
  • Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in airtight containers
  • Works with any pasta shape you have on hand
03 -
  • Dice chicken when it's still slightly frozen for easier more uniform cutting
  • Always salt your pasta water generously it should taste like sea water
  • Cook pasta just shy of al dente as it will continue cooking in the hot sauce
  • Save money by buying cheese in blocks and grating it yourself
  • Make extra and portion into lunch containers for easy meal prep

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