If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Combining tender, seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked pasta all swimming in rich marinara and melty cheese, this dish is not only bursting with classic Italian flavors but also incredibly simple to make. Everything cooks together in one pot, making it a fast, fuss-free meal that delivers big on taste and leaves you with minimal cleanup. It’s an absolute weeknight winner that pleases the whole family!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe. The beauty here is in using everyday pantry staples along with fresh aromatics to create a dish that’s both hearty and vibrant. Each ingredient brings something special—whether it’s that cozy Italian seasoning aroma, the melty mozzarella, or the sharp bite of parmesan.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (2-3, diced): Bite-sized pieces cook evenly and soak up all the flavors around them.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A fragrant blend that gives the chicken that authentic Italian flair.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle, savory depth that’s perfect for chicken.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, minced): Softens to sweeten the sauce and adds texture.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic amps up the dish with a punchy aroma and richness.
- Dried short-cut pasta (16 oz, rigatoni recommended): Sturdy pasta holds up well and hugs the sauce beautifully.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz jar): Choose your favorite; it’s the heart of this dish’s saucy magic.
- Water (to fill empty marinara jar): Helps cook the pasta evenly without extra pots.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts perfectly to create that gooey, irresistible texture.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a nutty, sharp flavor that deepens the overall taste.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Additional dried Italian seasoning (optional): Great for sprinkling on top to boost aroma and flavor before serving.
- Fresh parsley and/or basil (minced, for garnish): Brightens the final plate with fresh color and herbal notes.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced chicken breasts, seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cooking the chicken until it’s mostly done—about 5 minutes—creates a beautiful golden crust that locks in juices. Once ready, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest while you move on to the aromatics.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Into the same pot, add your minced onion and garlic. Sauté these until they soften and become fragrant, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. This step lays the flavor foundation for the sauce. Next, pour in the marinara sauce, then fill the empty sauce jar with water and add that to the pot as well. Bringing this combination to a boil before lowering the heat to a strong simmer allows all the ingredients to meld seamlessly.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the chicken to the pot and add your dried rigatoni pasta. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, giving the pasta enough time to soften and absorb all that savory goodness. This one-pot method is what makes this recipe so wonderfully easy, with all the flavors marrying perfectly as the pasta cooks.
Step 4: Add Cheese for Creaminess
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the parmesan cheese along with a quarter of the mozzarella. This melts smoothly into the dish, enriching it with a creamy texture and delicious depth. Resist the urge to skip this step—cheese is truly a game changer here!
Step 5: Melt the Remaining Mozzarella
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the pot again and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough for that cheese to melt into a gooey, irresistible layer. The sight and aroma at this stage are fantastic—a sure sign that dinner is served.
Step 6: Final Touches
Sprinkle with a little extra Italian seasoning if you like, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. These finishing touches make your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe look as delightful as it tastes.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil not only add a beautiful splash of green but also lend a subtle brightness that lifts the whole dish. A light sprinkle of extra parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also tailor the flavors to your liking. Presentation is part of the joy here—don’t be shy with the garnishes!
Side Dishes
This pasta recipe shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp, simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are classic companions that soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze. Sprinkling some toasted breadcrumbs on top adds a delightful crunch contrast. You can even layer it in a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil briefly for a golden crust. It’s all about making this cozy dish uniquely yours!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta tends to soak up the sauce as it sits, so it might be a bit thicker when reheated, but still just as tasty.
Freezing
The One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe freezes well. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-friendly containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep the pasta moist. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to warm evenly without drying out the chicken or curdling the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is sturdy and holds the sauce well, you can swap in penne, ziti, or even rotini. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly depending on pasta thickness.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own blend using dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. This will deliver a fresh, herby flavor perfect for the dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just check the cooking time on the package since gluten-free pasta can cook faster or slower than regular varieties.
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onions or as a garnish to give it a nice kick.
How do I keep the chicken tender?
Dice the chicken into small, uniform pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly. Avoid overcooking by removing it from the heat once it’s mostly done in the first step; it finishes cooking with the pasta, ensuring juicy, tender bites.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about putting together a meal that’s quick, minimal cleanup, and utterly delicious—and this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe ticks all those boxes perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or just craving a comforting dish that feels special, this recipe delivers all the hearty flavors and cheesy goodness you could want. Give it a try and get ready to add a brand new favorite to your dinner rotation!
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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
Description
This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delicious, hearty meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and cheesy pasta all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. With Italian seasoning, garlic, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, this recipe offers a classic comfort food experience perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking (about 1-2 tbsp)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Pasta
- 16 oz dried short-cut pasta (e.g., rigatoni)
- 24 oz jar of your favorite marinara sauce (e.g., Newman’s Own)
- Water (to fill empty marinara sauce jar)
Cheeses and Garnishes
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (divided: 1/4 cup for mixing, 3/4 cup for topping)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot or skillet (such as a dutch oven) over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes until it is mostly cooked through, then remove it to a plate.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Water: Pour in the jar of marinara sauce, then refill the empty sauce jar with water and add that as well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a strong simmer.
- Cook Pasta with Chicken: Return the chicken to the pot and add the dried pasta. Stir everything together, cover the pot, and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the pasta reaches your preferred tenderness.
- Mix in Cheeses: Stir in the parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese into the pasta mixture until melted and well combined.
- Add Topping Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the dish and cook uncovered for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle additional dried Italian seasoning over the top and garnish with minced fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- Use rigatoni or other short pasta shapes like penne or ziti to hold the sauce well.
- Adjust water quantity as needed to ensure the pasta cooks properly without drying out.
- To add more flavor, consider topping with red pepper flakes when serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or eggplant instead.
