Let me confess: One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner savior that checks all the boxes—comforting, cheesy, saucy, and (best of all) made in a single pot for easy cleanup. Imagine tender chicken, al dente pasta, and layers of melty mozzarella and Parmesan all swirling together in a rich marinara sauce. Every forkful is a bite of cozy Italian-American magic, and there’s no mountain of dishes left at the end. Whether you’re wrangling busy schedules, cooking for a crowd, or simply craving something soul-satisfying, this dish delivers bold flavor with hardly any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how this simple lineup transforms into such a satisfying meal. Each ingredient in One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta plays a special role, making the dish full of depth, color, and irresistible texture.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps the chicken get that beautiful golden sear.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, they cook quickly and stay tender throughout.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and drawing out its flavor—don’t be shy!
- Garlic: Just three cloves add a huge punch of aroma and classic Italian taste.
- Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jarred or homemade for deeply flavored, tomatoey goodness.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with savory notes and ensures everything cooks up moist and flavorful.
- Uncooked penne or rotini pasta: Both shapes work perfectly—the spirals or tubes cling to all that cheesy, saucy delight.
- Italian seasoning: A quick shortcut to herby complexity; don’t skip it!
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch delivers gentle heat and excitement.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey melter that brings the whole dish together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends its signature nutty, salty edge—the true Parmesan Pasta magic.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): Adds a pop of green and freshness for that signature Italian finish.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. While it warms up, season your bite-sized chicken generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the chicken pieces. Give them space to get nicely browned—that flavorful sear is step one to delicious One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about four to five minutes until almost cooked through.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Now, sprinkle the minced garlic over the chicken. Stir for about 30 seconds, only until it’s fragrant. The kitchen will start to smell like your favorite Italian trattoria! This step is quick but crucial; garlic burns fast, so watch it closely.
Step 3: Build the Sauce and Add Pasta
Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, then add the uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. Stir everything together so the pasta is submerged and ready to soak up those incredible flavors. Bring the mixture to a boil—this is when the magic begins for your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta.
Step 4: Simmer and Tenderize
Once bubbling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so nothing sticks. The pasta will become beautifully tender, and the chicken finishes cooking while the sauce thickens into cheesy, tomatoey bliss.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Remove the lid and stir in half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Watch as it starts to melt and swirl through the pasta, giving you those coveted cheese pulls. Sprinkle the rest over the top, cover the pot again, and wait just 2 to 3 minutes for everything to get gooey and bubbling. If you crave an extra-crisp finish, slide it under the broiler in an oven-safe dish for a couple of minutes.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
After all the cheese has melted, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if you have it on hand. The herbs brighten up the dish and add a burst of color, making your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, shower your piping-hot pasta with freshly chopped basil or parsley. A final grating of Parmesan—or even a touch of cracked black pepper—brings everything to life. These little extras add not only flavor and fragrance but also serious curb appeal to each plate.
Side Dishes
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a meal on its own, but it loves good company! Try serving it with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or a warm basket of garlic bread for scooping up every last bit of cheesy sauce. Roasted veggies, like broccolini or zucchini, also make bright, fresh sides that balance the richness of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this homey favorite into a restaurant-worthy presentation by dishing the pasta into shallow bowls and spiraling the noodles high. Top each serving with extra cheese and a sprig of basil for flair. For a family-style twist, pour the finished pasta into a large baking dish, layer with additional cheese, and broil until bubbly—everyone will want seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta makes a dream lunch the next day! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days and enjoy those same bold, cheesy flavors later in the week.
Freezing
If you have more than you can finish, this dish freezes surprisingly well. Portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay fresh for up to two months—just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating so the texture stays on point.
Reheating
For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also zap single servings in the microwave, covered and stirring halfway through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese just before serving to revive that just-made effect.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are ideal for soaking up all the sauce and cheese in One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, you can swap in ziti, rigatoni, or even elbows in a pinch. Just keep an eye on the cook time and add more broth if needed.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Of course—substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and you’ll still have a hearty, satisfying pasta packed with flavor.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Be sure to stir the pot every so often as it simmers, especially in the first few minutes. This keeps the pasta circulating and ensures even cooking throughout your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The classic recipe calls for regular pasta, but you can definitely use your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Just check the package directions, as gluten-free pasta sometimes cooks a bit faster or needs extra broth.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Toss in a handful of baby spinach, sautéed bell peppers, or frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking. Not only do they add color and nutrients, but they also blend seamlessly with the bold flavors in One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving fuss-free comfort food that wows the whole table, you have to try this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. It’s simple, hearty, and overflowing with those classic Italian flavors we all adore. Give it a go—you might just find yourself adding it to your weekly dinner rotation!
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese in one skillet. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s a perfect meal for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz uncooked penne or rotini pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook until browned and nearly cooked through.
- Add garlic and sauce: Add minced garlic, then stir in marinara sauce, chicken broth, pasta, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Add cheese: Stir in half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Top with remaining cheese, cover, and let melt.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite marinara sauce for convenience.
- For a crispy top, transfer to a baking dish, add cheese, and broil briefly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
