One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and unbelievably easy, this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is about to become your new go-to. Imagine juicy, seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and rich marinara all mingling together in one skillet, topped with a gooey blanket of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. The best part? You only need one pot, making cleanup a breeze—so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a hearty, flavor-packed meal with your favorite people.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll be amazed at the bold flavors and creamy textures that come together in this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. Each ingredient has a simple but important role to play, from building savory depth to providing that signature cheesy finish.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up all the delicious flavors—feel free to swap in chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Olive oil: A splash for sautéing infuses the chicken and garlic with richness right from the start.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the chicken to bring out its best flavor—don’t skip this simple but crucial step!
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend that instantly gives your dish that unmistakable Italian-American aroma.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic blooms in the hot oil, adding layers of savory depth to every bite.
- Chicken broth: This is the secret to deeply flavorful, perfectly cooked pasta—skip the water and you’ll taste the difference.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred version or homemade; it brings tangy, tomato-rich goodness and ties everything together.
- Uncooked penne or rotini pasta: These shapes hold the sauce beautifully and cook right in the pot—no need for a separate boil.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection for that classic Chicken Parmesan finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick and the irresistible golden top layer.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for freshness and a pop of color at serving time.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add them to the hot pan. Let them sizzle and brown for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You don’t need to worry about cooking them through just yet—this step is all about building that first layer of flavor and getting some golden color.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Once the chicken pieces are lightly browned, sprinkle in the minced garlic. Give everything a quick stir and let the garlic cook for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant. This quick bloom in the oil releases the garlic’s flavor and ensures it mingles throughout the entire dish.
Step 3: Build the Sauce and Cook the Pasta
Now comes the magic of this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta: everything else goes right into the pot! Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, then add the uncooked pasta. Give it all a good stir so the pasta is well coated and submerged. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, the pasta absorbs flavor from the sauce and broth, while the chicken finishes cooking to juicy perfection.
Step 4: Make it Cheesy
When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan. The cheese will melt right in, transforming your skillet into a creamy, cheesy wonderland. Sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan over the top, cover for a couple more minutes, and let it melt into a glorious, gooey layer.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta by scattering chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top. This last touch adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the whole dish. Serve it piping hot, straight from the pot, and watch everyone dive in for seconds!
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
The right garnish can turn a hearty skillet meal into something restaurant-worthy. I love showering this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta with freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving. A little extra Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes also adds visual appeal and a final hit of flavor. If you want to get fancy, try a drizzle of good olive oil for a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This dish is so satisfying on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want to round out your meal, serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce left on the plate. For a lighter touch, some roasted or steamed broccoli on the side pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta to the next level by transferring it to a baking dish and popping it under the broiler with a sprinkle of extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a crisp, golden topping. Or, portion it into individual oven-safe dishes for a dinner party-worthy presentation. For a fun twist, serve the pasta family-style right from the skillet and let everyone help themselves—because sometimes the best meals are the ones that bring everyone together around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better as they mingle, making leftovers a real treat for lunch or a quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
While this dish freezes fairly well, the pasta may soften a bit after thawing. For best results, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months, and be sure to label your containers so you remember when you made it!
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until hot, stirring halfway through. If you’re warming up a larger batch, pop it back into a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or marinara, cover, and heat gently over medium-low until warmed through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese and herbs at the end for that just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne and rotini work great because they hold the sauce well, but you can use any short pasta you have on hand—just keep an eye on the cooking time and add a splash more broth if needed.
What if I only have pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
No problem at all! Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken when you add the pasta and sauce. Since the chicken is already cooked, it just needs to heat through, making this version even faster.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get all the creamy, cheesy comfort without the meat.
How do I get a crispy topping like classic Chicken Parmesan?
For that irresistible crunch, transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly and golden. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella and reduce the amount of cheese, or swap in whole wheat pasta for extra fiber. You can also add a few handfuls of spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a veggie boost.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl, and I truly hope you’ll give it a try the next time you crave something hearty and homemade. It’s a dish that brings people together, fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, and makes any night feel special—without a sink full of dishes. Gather your ingredients, grab your favorite skillet, and get ready for a meal you’ll want to make again and again!
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delicious Italian-American dish combining tender chicken, pasta, and rich marinara sauce cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. Creamy mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses melt into the sauce, creating a comforting weeknight meal perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Cooking Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz uncooked penne or rotini pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned but not fully cooked through.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it does not burn.
- Combine Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and add the uncooked pasta. Stir everything together to mix thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Finalize Topping: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top, cover again, and let sit for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve the pasta hot.
Notes
- For a crispy topping, transfer the cooked pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken for a quicker preparation time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
