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Chicken parmesan pasta skillet in a pan.
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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is an easy one-pan dinner loaded with tender chicken, pasta, mushrooms, spinach, and a creamy marinara sauce. Finished with melted cheese and crispy lemon-Parmesan breadcrumbs, it's a comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 391kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Large oven-safe skillet
  • small skillet
  • measuring cups and measuring spoons
  • Cutting board
  • sharp knife
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • Microplane or zester

Ingredients

For the Pasta Skillet

  • 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
  • 1 pound cooked chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ½ cups sliced cremini or button mushrooms
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving

For the Lemon-Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping

  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Sauté the mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender.
  • Add the spinach and chicken: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the cooked chicken along with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
  • Build the sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well. Reduce the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon zest, then cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is warmed through and slightly creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • Combine with pasta: Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  • Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, and the lemon zest. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and fragrant.
  • Melt the cheese: If using an oven-safe skillet, place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If not using an oven-safe skillet, cover with a lid and allow the cheese to melt over low heat.
  • Finish and serve: Sprinkle the toasted lemon-Parmesan breadcrumbs over the top just before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 391kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 810mg | Potassium: 785mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1720IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 3mg