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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 combines tender chicken, smoky roasted eggplant, fresh tomatoes, and melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. This quick and easy Italian-inspired dish cooks entirely in one skillet, delivering creamy, comforting pasta with fresh basil aroma in under 40 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

Vegetables

  • 1 medium eggplant, cubed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 cup crushed canned tomatoes)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Pasta

  • 8 oz dry pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids & Fats

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cups water or chicken broth (enough to cover ingredients)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Chili flakes (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cube the eggplant and halve the cherry tomatoes to get all ingredients ready for cooking.
  2. Sauté aromatics and chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
  3. Add eggplant and tomatoes: Stir in the cubed eggplant and cherry tomatoes, allowing them to soften and release their juices, forming a rich base sauce while the eggplant becomes creamy.
  4. Incorporate pasta and liquids: Add your choice of dry pasta directly to the skillet. Pour in enough water or broth to just cover the ingredients. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is perfectly al dente.
  5. Finish with cheese and basil: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce thickened, stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently until melted into a creamy coating. Fold in fresh basil leaves for fresh Italian aroma before serving.

Notes

  • Use a large skillet to allow even cooking and easier stirring.
  • Do not overcook chicken initially; it finishes cooking with the pasta to remain juicy.
  • For extra nutty flavor, lightly toast dry pasta in olive oil before adding liquid.
  • Using homemade broth instead of water boosts sauce flavor.
  • Allow the dish to rest off heat for a few minutes to thicken and deepen flavors.
  • Vegetarian version: omit chicken and add extra eggplant or sautéed mushrooms.
  • Spicy twist: add chili flakes or hot sauce to taste.
  • Substitute cheeses: try provolone, fontina, or vegan cheese blends.
  • Use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
  • Try herb variations like thyme or oregano along with basil.

Nutrition

Keywords: One-pan, chicken pasta, pasta alla Norma, Italian, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, eggplant pasta, weeknight meal

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