Make an easy and delicious chicken, cheese and pasta dinner in one skillet with just 6 ingredients. Serve with a side salad and crusty bread.
2 T. non-creamy Italian dressing
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
16 oz. small/medium sized rigatoni pasta
24 oz. Marinara pasta sauce
1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 c. grated parmesan cheese
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
chopped fresh basil, for garnish, if desired
Wash chicken and pat dry; cut into cubes.
Heat chicken and Italian dressing in a large 12 inch skillet or stock pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook until browned and just cooked through, about 5 minutes depending on thickness of chicken.
Add pasta and marinara; add about 12-16 oz. water to the skillet. If using a stockpot, use 2 cups water; lightly stir to combine; bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer; cover; cook 15 minutes or until pasta is to your liking.
Cover with the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Don't stir. Continue to cook 2-3 minutes or until cheeses are fully melted. If desired, broil the entire skillet (oven-safe skillet) for about 4 minutes to make the cheese even more melty.
Top with chopped basil, if desired. Serve!
Note: The pasta in the middle and underneath will be more tender than on the outside. It's fine if those pieces are a bit toastier and less soft. The inside will be plenty soft.