If you’ve ever wished you could capture all the comforting flavors of classic chicken Parmesan in a single, fuss-free meal, One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is about to become your new weeknight favorite. This streamlined dish delivers everything you crave – juicy chicken, robust marinara, tender pasta, and gooey, melty cheese – all in one pot, with hardly any cleanup required. With under 30 minutes from prep to plate, it’s a wholesome and satisfying dinner you can turn to again and again, especially when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is how a handful of simple, accessible ingredients come together to create a dish that feels both hearty and a little indulgent. Each component plays a role in adding flavor, texture, or a burst of color – don’t skip the finishing touches!
- Olive oil: A touch of olive oil kicks off the cooking, giving the chicken a gorgeous golden sear and a hint of richness.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and stay moist, offering a lean protein base to hold all the flavors together.
- Salt: Enhances every element, making each bite pop.
- Black pepper: Brings a subtle warmth and depth that perfectly balances the mellow marinara.
- Italian seasoning: Adds aromatic herbal notes that give that signature “Parmesan” flavor profile.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the entire dish with irresistible savory goodness.
- Chicken broth: Forms the base for cooking the pasta, infusing it with extra savory character and preventing dryness.
- Marinara sauce: The heart of any Chicken Parmesan dish, lending robust tomato flavor and a beautiful red hue.
- Penne pasta: This short, tube-shaped pasta holds onto the sauce and cheese in every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts luxuriously, giving that trademark stretchy cheese pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the dish with salty, nutty depth – a must for this Italian-American comfort food classic.
- Chopped fresh basil (optional): A sprinkle of basil over top brightens up the whole pot, both visually and flavor-wise.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick, this finishing touch adds a subtle spark of heat.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your chicken pieces and sprinkle them right away with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the chicken sear without moving it too much at first, so it can develop a little golden crust. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. This flavorful foundation is what takes One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta from simple to spectacular.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for just about a minute—just enough time for your kitchen to fill with irresistible aroma, but not so long that the garlic scorches. This quick step infuses the oil and chicken with classic Italian fragrance and brings the whole dish together.
Step 3: Build the Sauce and Add Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, giving everything a good stir to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the uncooked penne right into the sauce. This is the one-pot magic: your pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing extra flavor and thickening the liquid as it goes. Bring everything to a boil, then quickly lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot.
Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect
Let your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta simmer for 12–15 minutes, lifting the lid and giving it a stir now and then to prevent sticking. Check the pasta around the 12-minute mark; you want it tender but not mushy, with most of the liquid absorbed and the sauce thickened beautifully.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, watching them melt into silky, cheesy ribbons that hug every piece of pasta and chicken. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle chopped basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top for extra color and flavor. Serve your masterpiece piping hot, ready to wow your tastebuds.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
Nothing takes One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta from simple to showstopping like a scatter of fresh, aromatic basil and an extra snowfall of Parmesan. If you’re craving a bit of heat, a quick dash of red pepper flakes adds just the right zing. These little touches make every bowl not only look gorgeous but taste irresistibly fresh and vibrant.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Crusty garlic bread is always a welcome addition, perfect for scooping up every last drop of cheesy sauce. If you want to keep it even simpler, a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach tucks in extra greens effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a visual feast, so serve it straight from the pot for a cozy, family-style vibe. To impress guests, ladle it into individual oven-safe bowls, top with extra cheese, and place under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish. Or try spooning leftovers into a casserole dish for a next-day pasta bake—no one will complain about a repeat performance!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container and stash it away for up to 3 days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making your next bowl possibly even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save some for later, this dish holds up well in the freezer. Portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. For best taste and texture, use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for easy reheating.
Reheating
To revive your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Individual servings can be microwaved in short bursts, stirring in between. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan or basil for that just-cooked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are rich and flavorful, and they stay incredibly juicy. Just swap them in at a 1:1 ratio with the breasts for equally delicious results in your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta.
What if I need a gluten-free version?
It’s simple to make this dish gluten-free: just use your favorite gluten-free penne or short pasta. Keep in mind that gluten-free pasta sometimes needs a few minutes less cook time, so check it early for perfect al dente texture.
How do I get a crispy topping like traditional Chicken Parmesan?
If you’re craving those crispy, cheesy edges, sprinkle extra Parmesan over your finished pasta, then pop the whole pot (if oven-safe) or individual servings under a broiler for 2–3 minutes. Watch closely so the cheese gets bubbly and golden but not burnt!
Can I use other types of cheese?
Definitely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, feel free to mix in provolone, fontina, or even a little asiago for a fun twist. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt smoothly for that dreamy, gooey result.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s wonderfully kid-friendly! The flavors are familiar, and the texture is creamy and inviting. If your little ones aren’t fans of spice, simply skip the optional red pepper flakes—and watch them come back for seconds.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta brings together all the comfort and heartiness of a classic, with none of the kitchen drama. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight crowd or just yourself, it promises cheesy, saucy comfort in every single bowl. Give it a try and let this colorful, one-pot wonder become your go-to dinner hero!
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and gooey cheese with perfectly cooked pasta, all in one pot.
Ingredients
Chicken Parmesan Pasta:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 12 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a pot, add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned.
- Add garlic and sauce: Add minced garlic, then pour in chicken broth and marinara sauce.
- Combine pasta: Stir in uncooked pasta and bring to a boil. Simmer covered until pasta is cooked.
- Melt cheese and serve: Remove from heat, stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Top with basil and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- For a crispier topping, broil with extra Parmesan for 2–3 minutes.
- Option to use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
