If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings together the best of Italian flavors without a fuss, this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender pieces of seasoned chicken, succulent rigatoni pasta simmered right in a rich tomato sauce and chicken stock, all topped with a luscious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a vibrant, cheesy dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, ready in just about 30 minutes and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or saving for delightful leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the spices that season the chicken to the cheeses that crown the dish, every item is essential to creating this balanced, comforting meal.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully, locking in flavor.
- Chicken breasts: The star protein, diced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that infuses the chicken with classic Italian aroma.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Enhance the savory backbone of the dish.
- Garlic salt: Combines seasoning and subtle garlic, ensuring your chicken is perfectly seasoned.
- Salt & pepper: Basic but vital for seasoning to taste.
- Yellow onion: Finely minced to melt into the sauce and add natural sweetness.
- Garlic paste: Offers an intensified garlic flavor that infuses the sauce deeply.
- Rigatoni pasta: The perfect tubular pasta to catch sauce and cheese in every bite.
- Ragu Old World Traditional Pasta Sauce: A rich, flavorful tomato base that elevates the entire dish.
- Chicken stock: Adds depth and keeps the pasta perfectly moist as it cooks.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides melty creaminess inside and melts beautifully on top.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that balances the creaminess.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens and adds a fresh note to the final presentation.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the diced chicken along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic salt. Stir frequently and let the chicken cook until it turns almost opaque, usually around 4 to 5 minutes. This initial cooking layers in flavor and ensures the chicken remains juicy. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to bring everything to life.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Next, toss in your finely minced yellow onion and garlic paste. These aromatics soften over about 5 to 7 minutes, releasing a mouthwatering scent and enriching the sauce’s body. Watching the onions turn translucent is a satisfying sign your base is just right.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Sauce
Pour in the Ragu Old World Traditional Pasta Sauce and chicken stock, then add the dried rigatoni. Stir gently to combine and make sure that all the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot, lower the heat, and let everything simmer together for 12 to 14 minutes. This is where the magic happens — the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up all the flavors and thickening the liquid beautifully.
Step 4: Add Cheese
When the pasta is tender but still has a bite, stir in half a cup of shredded mozzarella to add creaminess throughout. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top. Cover again for a few minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt into a bubbling, golden blanket that’s both comforting and irresistible.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. This pop of green is more than decoration — it adds freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheeses, balancing every bite perfectly. Serve immediately and dive into this soul-satisfying dish straight from the pot.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic finishing touch, but you can also add a few red pepper flakes for a little heat or extra Parmesan for sharpness. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving adds a glossy, rich layer that makes each bite sing.
Side Dishes
Because this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is so hearty, simple sides are best. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette refreshes the palate, and some garlic bread on the side lets you soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli are also excellent companions for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, consider plating the pasta in shallow bowls and topping with a sprig of parsley and a dusting of Parmesan for an elegant look. For a cozy family dinner, serve straight from the pot to keep things warm and welcoming. You can also make individual portions in small casserole dishes and broil the cheese topping until bubbling and golden for a show-stopping presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to protect the texture and flavor.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the pasta may soften slightly. Store in a freezer-safe container with a tight seal for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of chicken stock or water to revive the saucy consistency. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until hot.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta in this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for holding the sauce, penne, ziti, or even fusilli work wonderfully too. Just keep the cooking time similar and make sure your pasta is mostly submerged in sauce for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You might also add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to keep it satisfying and flavorful.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce a day ahead and refrigerate separately. Combine and cook the pasta fresh to avoid overcooked noodles. Alternatively, make the whole dish, store leftovers properly, and reheat gently for maximum enjoyment.
What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano is a great substitute if you want a sharper, saltier bite. Grana Padano also works well as a milder alternative. Just be sure to use finely grated cheese for best melting and flavor integration.
Can I add extra veggies to this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be sautéed with the onions or added during the simmering step to enrich the dish. Just adjust liquid amounts slightly for balance.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time you make it. With minimal effort, you get a rich, comforting dinner that’s loaded with layers of flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or craving a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you’ll reach for again and again.
Print
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
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta that combines tender chicken, rich pasta sauce, and gooey melted cheese, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Salt & pepper to taste
Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
Pasta and Sauce
- 16 ounces dried rigatoni pasta
- 24 ounce jar Ragu Old World Traditional Pasta Sauce
- 24 ounce chicken stock
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and add diced chicken along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic salt. Stir to combine and cook until the chicken is nearly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Aromatics: Add the finely minced onion and garlic paste to the pot with the chicken. Stir well and allow the mixture to cook for 5-7 minutes, until the onions are softened and translucent, enhancing the flavors.
- Add Pasta and Sauce: Pour in the pasta sauce and chicken stock, then add the dried rigatoni pasta. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 12-14 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the majority of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella to add creaminess. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta. Cover the pot again for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese thoroughly.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pot from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious one-pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta!
Notes
- Use chicken breasts diced into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Simmer the pasta covered to ensure it cooks through evenly in the sauce.
- Feel free to substitute rigatoni with penne or ziti if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk before adding the cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
