There’s nothing quite like a big pot of comforting gooey pasta to satisfy a hungry crowd, especially when it’s bursting with classic Italian flavors and comes together with zero stress. This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is your ticket to an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a warm, cheesy hug. Juicy chicken, a rich tomatoey sauce, and melty mozzarella all come together in a single pot, making clean-up as simple as the cooking. Trust me, with minimal effort and maximum flavor, this is the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of everyday ingredients—each playing a key role in creating perfect texture, flavor, and color. This dish proves you don’t need anything fancy to accomplish a deliciously authentic and kid-friendly meal!

Chicken breasts: Tender chunks of boneless, skinless chicken soak up all those saucy flavors and add hearty protein.
Olive oil: Gives you that beautiful golden sear on the chicken and infuses everything with richness.
Onion: Provides a gentle sweetness and depth to the base of the dish.
Garlic: That unmistakable warm, savory aroma makes all the difference in Italian-inspired cooking.
Italian seasoning: The secret blend that brings the dish to life with herby, fragrant notes.
Salt: Don’t skip this; it’s essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds just the right hint of heat and sharpness.
Penne pasta: Perfect for soaking up sauce and delivering cheesy bites, choose your favorite pasta shape if you prefer.
Chicken broth: Deepens the overall flavor and helps the pasta cook evenly in the pot.
Marinara sauce: Delivers that lively tomato flavor and classic red color everyone loves.
Mozzarella cheese: For irresistible creamy melts and those picture-worthy cheese pulls!
Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty finish—don’t be shy with it!
Fresh basil or parsley: A sprinkle of fresh green brightens the whole dish (totally optional, but so pretty).

How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re just golden on all sides. The sear locks in juicy flavor, so let the pieces sit in the pan before stirring for that irresistible color.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, letting them sizzle and soften for another 2 to 3 minutes. These aromatics infuse the chicken with deep, savory notes that make every bite taste homemade and delicious. At this stage, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper so the flavors can bloom right into the base.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids

While the pan is fragrant, stir in the uncooked penne, followed by the chicken broth and marinara sauce. Stir well to mingle all those flavors and make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. This is the magic that lets you cook everything together—no need for extra pots or draining.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Raise the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, drop the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it all simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Give it a quick stir now and then, so nothing sticks. When the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through, you’ll know it’s time for the best part!

Step 5: Get Cheesy

Take the pot off the heat and immediately toss in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until they are gloriously melty and gooey, blanketing every bite. Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor that makes your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta look and smell like it came straight from a trattoria.

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

Few things make a bowl of pasta more inviting than a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a scattering of vibrant fresh basil or parsley. For a little extra crunch, consider toasting up some breadcrumbs in olive oil and scattering them over the top—just like the crispy crust of a classic Chicken Parmesan, but with half the fuss.

Side Dishes

This dish is rounded and filling on its own, but a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a platter of roasted vegetables is a wonderful way to add freshness and color to the meal. And of course, don’t forget the classic crusty bread—perfect for mopping up that extra sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style dining, set the pot right in the center of your table and let everyone help themselves. If you’re feeling fancy, spoon the pasta into shallow bowls and top with a swirl of basil oil or drizzle of balsamic glaze. For parties, you can even pile spoonfuls into small ramekins for a grab-and-go appetizer twist on One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta keeps beautifully! Simply let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay tasty in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a total lifesaver for busy weekdays or packed lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze some for later, let everything cool completely. Scoop the pasta into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, seal, and stash them for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze without extra cheese and add a fresh sprinkle after reheating.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze: place your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta in a skillet or microwave-safe bowl with an extra splash of broth or water to keep things saucy. Warm over low heat or in short microwave bursts, stirring to distribute the heat and melty cheese.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! To make it even easier, sub in shredded rotisserie chicken and add it after the pasta is cooked. This shortcut saves time but still soaks up all the saucy, cheesy goodness.

Does this recipe work with gluten-free pasta?

Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free penne or other shortcut pasta. Keep an eye on the doneness a few minutes before the suggested cook time, as gluten-free pasta tends to cook a little quicker and can become soft if overdone.

What’s the best way to make it extra crispy like traditional Chicken Parmesan?

For that beloved crispy finish, toast some plain breadcrumbs in a skillet with a little olive oil until golden, then sprinkle generously over each serving just before serving. It gives you the crunch without the hassle of breading and frying.

How spicy is this recipe?

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is quite mild as written, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne in step two if your crowd likes a bit of heat!

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use a bigger pot or Dutch oven so everything fits comfortably, and you may need a couple extra minutes for the pasta to cook evenly. It’s perfect for potlucks or feeding a house full of hungry friends and family.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is such a hit: it’s quick, flavorful, and so full of that cozy, cheesy magic we all crave. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—once you do, it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table!

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese in one pot for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Parmesan Pasta:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 oz uncooked penne pasta
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Cook chicken: Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
Add onion and garlic: Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened.
Season: Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add remaining ingredients: Mix in uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and marinara sauce. Bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
Melt cheese: Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted.
Serve: Top with fresh basil or parsley and serve.

Notes

For extra crunch, sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
You can use rotisserie chicken to save time—just add it after the pasta is cooked.
This recipe also works with gluten-free pasta.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American