If you’re looking for a meal that tastes like a big, cozy hug and comes together with barely any dishes to wash, this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero. Juicy chicken, perfectly saucy pasta, and a blanket of gooey, melty cheese all simmer together in one pot for the kind of Italian-American comfort food that brings everyone to the table with big smiles. It’s hearty, cheesy, and just a little bit fancy—with zero stress. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor, color, and irresistible texture. The best part? You probably have most of these kitchen staples on hand, making it the ultimate “what’s for dinner?” solution.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for a flavorful base.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and stay tender in the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with that classic herbaceous Italian flair.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory punch and deepens the flavor profile.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Black pepper: Gives a subtle kick and balances the richness of the cheese.
- Yellow onion: Diced for sweetness and depth—don’t skip it!
- Fresh garlic: Three cloves, minced, for aromatic magic in every bite.
- Chicken broth: Cooks the pasta and chicken in one go, adding loads of savory flavor.
- Marinara sauce: A jar of your favorite brings tang and a pop of color.
- Uncooked penne or rotini pasta: These shapes soak up the sauce beautifully and become deliciously tender.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for nutty, salty richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Sprinkled on top for that signature gooey, cheesy finish.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Adds a burst of freshness and makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden on the edges but not fully cooked through. This first step builds a savory base and ensures the chicken stays juicy once everything simmers together.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes. The onion softens and becomes sweet, while the garlic fills your kitchen with that unmistakable Italian aroma. These aromatics are the secret to deep, layered flavors in every bowl.
Step 3: Build the Sauce and Cook the Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, stirring well to combine. Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot—no need to boil separately! Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is perfectly al dente and the chicken is cooked through. The pasta soaks up all that herby, tomatoey goodness as it cooks.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. This step adds a luxurious, salty richness and helps thicken the sauce to that classic Chicken Parmesan consistency.
Step 5: Add Mozzarella and Finish
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the pot again and let it sit off the heat for 2 to 3 minutes. The mozzarella melts into irresistible, stringy goodness—just like your favorite Italian restaurant version, only easier!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, give your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. This final touch brings a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor, making the whole dish feel extra special.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta with plenty of freshly chopped basil or parsley. Add extra grated Parmesan if you’re feeling cheesy, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. It’s those little extras that make each bowl feel restaurant-worthy!
Side Dishes
This pasta is a meal all on its own, but if you want to round out dinner, serve it with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette or a side of warm, crusty garlic bread. Steamed broccoli or simple roasted vegetables complement the rich, cheesy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Make dinner extra fun by serving One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta in individual mini casseroles or oven-safe bowls. For a family-style vibe, bring the whole pot to the table and let everyone scoop their own. You can even top each serving with a melty round of mozzarella and broil for a minute or two for extra golden cheese!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully! Let your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making for seriously delicious next-day lunches.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes well. Portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and add a splash of broth or marinara when warming to bring back the saucy goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or warm gently on the stovetop with a bit of extra broth or sauce to loosen things up. Top with a fresh sprinkle of mozzarella or Parmesan before serving to recapture that just-made magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and rotini work beautifully, you can swap in any short pasta you have on hand, like ziti, rigatoni, or even shells. Just keep an eye on the cook time, as different shapes may need a minute more or less to become perfectly tender.
What if I only have pre-cooked chicken?
Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! Stir it in when you add the pasta and sauce, and reduce the simmering time by a few minutes since the chicken just needs to warm through.
How do I make this dish spicier?
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onion and garlic, or sprinkle them on just before serving. You can also stir in a dash of hot sauce for even more kick.
Can I make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your marinara sauce and chicken broth are gluten-free. Keep in mind that some gluten-free pastas cook faster, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early.
What vegetables can I add?
Spinach, kale, or chopped zucchini are all delicious additions. Stir in spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking so they wilt perfectly, or add zucchini with the onions for a bit more texture and color.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food with minimal cleanup, you truly can’t go wrong with this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. It’s weeknight-friendly, kid-approved, and sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is!
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This one-pot chicken parmesan pasta is a flavorful and comforting Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a cheesy marinara sauce all cooked together for an easy and delicious family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 12 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
Cheeses and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, stirring well to combine everything evenly. Add the uncooked penne or rotini pasta and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the pasta is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Mix in Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends into the sauce, adding a rich flavor and creamy texture.
- Add Mozzarella and Melt: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta. Cover the pot again and let it sit off the heat for 2–3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the pasta for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken to save time; just reduce the simmering time slightly since the chicken is already cooked.
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking for a spicy kick.
- Stir in fresh spinach or other leafy greens at the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
