Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and one-pot chicken parmesan pasta delivers pure comfort in a single pan.

This classic Italian-inspired dish combines crispy chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta for a delightful meal.

Melted mozzarella blankets tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles in an irresistible blend of flavors.

The recipe saves time and minimizes cleanup, making it a perfect solution for busy home cooks.

Each forkful brings rich marinara sauce, golden chicken, and al dente pasta together in harmony.

Bold herbs and sharp parmesan cheese elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing dinner that promises satisfaction in every mouthful.

Why One-Pot Parmesan Pasta Is a Win

• Savor Quick and Easy Comfort: Perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated steps, this one-pot chicken parmesan pasta delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Minimize Kitchen Cleanup: With everything cooked in a single pot, you'll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Packed with familiar, beloved flavors of chicken parmesan and pasta, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable to different dietary preferences, you can easily swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to customize this crowd-pleasing dish according to your family's taste and nutritional needs.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender and juicy meat that forms the heart of this dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and melty dairy goodness that adds rich flavor.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian sauce packed with tomato goodness.
• Dried Pasta: Perfect base for a comforting one-pot meal.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder: Flavor-boosting spices that enhance the dish.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide deep, savory undertones.

• Olive Oil: Smooth liquid for cooking and adding subtle flavor.

• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Basil: Optional green herbs for a pop of freshness.

How to Cook Chicken Parm in One Pot

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat.

Drizzle olive oil and add diced chicken.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder

Cook the chicken until it’s almost fully done, about 5 minutes.

Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same pot, toss in minced onion and garlic.

Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, around 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Foundation

Pour marinara sauce into the pot.

Fill the empty sauce jar with water and add to the mixture.

Stir thoroughly and bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return the cooked chicken to the pot.

Add dried pasta and mix well.

Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheesy Goodness

Stir in Parmesan cheese and first portion of mozzarella.

Mix until cheese melts completely and blends into the sauce.

Step 6: Create the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the dish.

Cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese becomes melted and irresistibly gooey.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Optional: Sprinkle extra Italian seasoning.

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Serve piping hot and enjoy your ultimate comfort meal!

Quick Tips for One-Pot Pasta Success

• Stir the pasta frequently during cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to achieve your desired sauciness.
• Swap chicken with ground turkey, shrimp, or plant-based protein for a versatile meal that suits different dietary preferences.
• Let the final cheese topping sit for a minute after removing from heat to create a perfect, stretchy cheese pull.
• Prepare the dish in advance and reheat gently, adding a little extra liquid to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

How to Save and Reheat Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta remains fresh and flavorful.
• Gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Reheat portions in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel to keep the pasta tender and prevent rubbery texture.
• Freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Side Dishes for Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy, cheesy pasta. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness and enhances the marinara's tangy notes.
• Create Fresh Salad Sidekick: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan. The peppery greens and zesty dressing balance the hearty chicken pasta perfectly.
• Serve Garlic Herb Breadsticks: Prepare warm, buttery breadsticks seasoned with Italian herbs. These provide a crunchy texture contrast and help soak up the delicious sauce.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Medley: Quickly roast zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and herbs. The caramelized vegetables add color, nutrition, and a light counterpoint to the pasta's richness.

Pasta Add-Ins to Keep Things Fresh

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or white beans. Season the alternative protein with same Italian spices for rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free to maintain recipe integrity.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce cooking time and adjust liquid to prevent overcooking vegetable base.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for similar umami flavor. Select dairy-free mozzarella alternatives or skip cheese topping entirely, focusing on herbaceous seasonings.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs sauce well. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, the recipe is not spicy. It has traditional Italian seasoning which provides flavor without heat. If you want spice, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce when serving.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No problem! You can create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. This will provide a similar flavor profile to the original recipe.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy one-pot chicken parmesan pasta merges Italian comfort with weeknight convenience, blending rich marinara and melted cheese. Loaded with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, this quick meal promises deliciousness you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

Cheeses:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) dried short-cut pasta (e.g., rigatoni)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium yellow onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Liquid:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) jar of marinara sauce (e.g., Newmans Own)
• Water to fill the empty marinara sauce jar

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for the chicken protein.
2. Season chicken pieces with aromatic Italian herbs, salt, and garlic essence, then sauté until golden and nearly cooked through, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Transfer chicken to a temporary holding plate, preserving the flavorful cooking residue in the pot.
4. Introduce minced onion and garlic into the same pot, allowing them to soften and release their fragrant notes for 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour marinara sauce into the pot, then replenish the empty sauce container with water to capture every remaining drop of flavor.
6. Bring the liquid mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle, consistent simmer.
7. Reintroduce the seared chicken pieces and raw pasta directly into the simmering sauce, ensuring complete ingredient integration.
8. Cover the pot and allow contents to meld together, stirring periodically to prevent sticking, until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
9. Incorporate Parmesan and a portion of mozzarella, stirring until the cheeses create a smooth, velvety coating.
10. Distribute remaining mozzarella across the dish’s surface, creating an enticing cheese blanket.
11. Continue cooking briefly until cheese transforms into a molten, bubbling layer.
12. Optional: Enhance with additional dried herbs and fresh green garnishes like parsley or basil.
13. Serve immediately while cheese remains delightfully stretchy and warm.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, comforting flavors of the original dish.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium marinara sauce and limiting added salt, perfect for those watching their salt intake.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the cooking process, increasing the dish’s fiber and vitamin content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg