If you are searching for a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy dinner, this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, all bathed in a rich marinara sauce, and topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This recipe captures all the beloved flavors of classic chicken Parmesan but with the simplicity of a one-pot meal, making dinner time a breeze without sacrificing taste or heartiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe shines because it relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together in harmony to give you a dish bursting with flavor and a variety of textures. Each component plays a role, from the savory seasoning to the creamy cheese and fresh herbs.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy bites throughout the dish.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken and adding a subtle richness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a slight kick and depth to the seasoning.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings classic Italian herb notes that complete the Parmesan profile.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers warmth and aromatic depth that feels instantly homey.
- 3 cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses flavor into the pasta and tenderizes the chicken.
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce: The heart of the dish providing tangy tomato goodness and color.
- 12 oz uncooked penne or rotini pasta: Perfect shapes to soak up all the sauce and hold onto cheese.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible gooey texture everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch both in the mix and as a topping.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): Fresh herbs for a bright and vibrant finish.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before adding them to the pan. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken develops a lovely golden-brown color on the outside. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through just yet; it will finish cooking with the pasta.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Build Flavor
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute until fragrant. This brief step elevates the aroma and lays a flavorful foundation for the sauce, ensuring every bite is richly infused with garlic goodness.
Step 3: Stir in Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, then add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Give everything a good stir so the pasta is evenly distributed and submerged in the flavorful liquid mixture. Bring the pan to a boil to kickstart the pasta’s cooking process.
Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect
Once boiling, reduce your heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let the dish simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, your pasta will absorb the savory broth and marinara, cooking to tender perfection while the chicken finishes cooking through.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
When the pasta and chicken are done, stir in the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses melt into the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy texture. Then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top, cover for a couple more minutes, allowing any remaining cheese to melt fully and bind the dish together.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley on top instantly brightens this hearty dish and adds a lovely pop of color. This simple addition makes the pasta feel fresh and inviting, creating a balance with the rich, cheesy sauce.
Side Dishes
This pasta is so filling and flavorful it can stand alone, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli pairs beautifully. Crunchy garlic bread also makes a delightful accompaniment to mop up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, serve the One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls and garnish each with an extra dusting of grated Parmesan and a drizzle of good quality olive oil. For a cozy twist, transfer the skillet contents to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, then broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly on top – a perfect crispy finish that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a tasty option the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. Stir occasionally to melt the cheese back into its creamy glory and avoid any rubbery texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini work great because of their shape, feel free to use rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle – just be mindful of the cooking time as it can vary slightly between pastas.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or even plant-based chicken substitutes. The cooking times might change a bit, so keep an eye on the texture to get it just right.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your marinara sauce doesn’t contain gluten ingredients. This simple switch makes this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it later?
Definitely! The dish holds up well when refrigerated and tastes even better the next day. Just reheat gently and add a splash of broth to revive the creamy texture.
What’s a quicker way to make this meal?
If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken pieces speeds things up. Simply add shredded pre-cooked chicken when you add the pasta and sauces.
Final Thoughts
I am so excited for you to try this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe because it truly combines comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor in the happiest possible way. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or wanting a fuss-free meal that impresses, this recipe checks all the boxes. Once you make it, it will undoubtedly become one of your favorite quick dinners to whip up again and again.
Print
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a hearty and comforting Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, savory marinara sauce, and al dente pasta all cooked together in a single skillet. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it delivers rich flavors with less cleanup, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for a cheesy finish and garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 12 oz uncooked penne or rotini pasta
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned but not fully cooked through.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, then add the uncooked pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine evenly and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue until the pasta is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Add the cheeses: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until the cheeses melt and combine into the sauce.
- Melt remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta, cover again, and let it sit for 2–3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve the pasta hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For a crispy cheesy topping, transfer the cooked pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken for a faster, no-cook chicken addition.
