Name: Chicken Parm Pasta
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 - 6 serving(s)
Ingredients: 5 tbsp. olive oil; 1/2 c. panko breadcrumbs; 3/4 c. grated parmesan cheese; 1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch-thick strips; 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for the pasta; 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes; 1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand; 1 lb. bucatini or spaghetti; 1/2 c. loosely packed fresh basil, thinly sliced, plus leaves for garnish; 8 oz. mini mozzarella balls, drained

Step 1Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the panko and stir to coat in the oil. Cook, tossing, until the panko is crisp and golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside to cool, then stir in 1⁄4 cup of the parmesan.

Step 2Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a large nonstick skillet and heat over medium-high. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook, tossing occasionally, until browned, about 3 minutes. Remove to a plate.

Step 3Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the skillet. Add the garlic and cook until it just begins to turn golden, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and add the tomatoes. Add 1 cup water and 1⁄2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 15 minutes.

Step 4Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions for al dente. Reserve 1⁄2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Step 5Add the chicken and basil to the tomato sauce and return to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook, tossing to coat, about 1 minute. Add the remaining 1⁄2 cup parmesan and toss. Remove from the heat, scatter in the mozzarella and toss, then cover and let sit until the mozzarella begins to melt, about 1 minute. Uncover and toss once more, adding a little of the reserved cooking water if the pasta seems dry. Top each serving with the panko mixture and basil.

Chicken Parm Pasta

Ingredients

Directions

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Comfort Food