No matter the weather, it’s pretty much impossible not to daydream about cheesy baked carbs. Luckily, this killer skillet is guaranteed to make those dreams a reality. In it, you’ll find tender bites of chicken, roasted zucchini, and al dente penne all enrobed in a rich marinara sauce. To top things off, there’s a melty blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan. Serve it right from the pan for maximum cheese pull potential and wait for the oohs and aahs from your lucky fellow diners.
The quantities provided above are averages only.
Produced in a facility that processes eggs, milk, fish, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.
1 unit
Zucchini
12 ounce
Chicken Breasts
1 tablespoon
Italian Seasoning
6 ounce
Penne Pasta
(Contains Wheat)
1 teaspoon
Chili Flakes
14 ounce
Marinara Cup
½ cup
Mozzarella Cheese
(Contains Milk)
¼ cup
Parmesan Cheese
(Contains Milk)
1 tablespoon
Olive Oil
2 tablespoon
Butter
(Contains Milk)
Salt
Pepper
Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry all produce. Trim and halve zucchini lengthwise; thinly slice into half-moons. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season all over with salt, pepper, and half the Italian Seasoning (you’ll use the rest later).
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large, preferably ovenproof, pan over mediumhigh heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown but yet not cooked through, 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet and roast on top rack until cooked through, 12-15 minutes. Set chicken aside and heat broiler to high or oven to 500 degrees.
While chicken cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in pan used for chicken over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and cook until browned and tender, 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside. Meanwhile, add penne to pot of boiling water. Cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain.
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in pan used for zucchini over medium heat. Add remaining Italian seasoning and a small pinch of chili flakes if desired; cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Stir in marinara and a big pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer.
Add penne, zucchini, and 2 TBSP butter (3 TBSP for 4) to pan with simmering sauce; season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. If needed, stir in reserved pasta cooking water a splash at a time until everything is thoroughly coated in sauce. TIP: If your pan isn’t ovenproof, transfer pasta now to a baking dish.
Top pasta with chicken, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. (TIP: If you like, slice chicken and toss with pasta before topping with cheese.) Broil or bake on top rack until cheese is melted and lightly browned, 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with chili flakes if desired. Divide between plates and serve.