One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Irresistible One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Twirling creamy one-pot chicken Parmesan pasta around your fork, each bite bursting with classic Italian flavors.

Comfort meets convenience in this simple yet spectacular dish that eliminates multiple cooking vessels.

Weeknight dinners just became way more delicious and stress-free.

Melted cheese creates golden strings that connect perfectly seasoned chicken and tender pasta.

The magic happens in a single pan, reducing cleanup time dramatically.

Rich marinara sauce coats every noodle with robust, hearty goodness.

You’ll want seconds of this crowd-pleasing meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every incredible bite!

Why One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Is a One-Dish Wonder

  • Simplify Cooking: Prepare a delicious chicken parmesan pasta in just one pot, eliminating multiple dishes and reducing cleanup time.
  • Burst of Flavor Combinations: Enjoy the perfect blend of tender chicken, tangy marinara sauce, melted cheeses, and aromatic Italian seasonings that create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy families seeking a satisfying and hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the dish by swapping chicken for different proteins, adjusting seasonings, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and nutritional needs.

What Goes Into One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein that adds substance to the dish, boneless and skinless works best.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base for cooking the pasta, low-sodium recommended.
Pasta and Sauce:
  • Pasta, Marinara Sauce: Classic combination that provides hearty and comforting meal base, choose short pasta like penne or ziti for easy eating.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance overall flavor profile, fresh herbs can be used as alternatives.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: Bright, aromatic garnish that adds fresh finish to the dish.
Cheese:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty elements that provide rich and stretchy texture, freshly grated recommended for best flavor.
Cooking Oils:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté chicken and adds subtle flavor, extra virgin olive oil preferred for better taste.

Simple Cooking Steps for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Simple Cooking Steps for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame. Toss diced chicken with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Pasta Base

In the same pot, combine:
  • Chicken broth
  • Marinara sauce
  • Uncooked pasta

Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then lower heat to gentle simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches perfect tenderness and sauce thickens, roughly 12-15 minutes.

Step 3: Melt and Merge Cheesy Goodness

Fold cooked chicken back into the pasta. Sprinkle generously with:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella

Cover the pot, allowing cheese to melt into creamy deliciousness for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Plate and Garnish

Scatter fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant finish. Serve piping hot alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Top Tips to Perfect Chicken Parmesan Pasta

  • Chicken Selection Mastery: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for consistent, tender meat that absorbs seasonings perfectly.
  • Sauce Thickness Control: Adjust liquid ratio by adding extra broth if pasta seems too dry, or let it simmer uncovered to reduce sauce for richer consistency.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Use freshly grated mozzarella for superior melting and avoid pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • Flavor Boosting Hack: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to elevate the overall taste profile and introduce subtle complexity.
  • Dietary Modification Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat varieties to accommodate different nutritional preferences without compromising the dish's delicious essence.

Store and Reheat One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Easily

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Microwave Tip: Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

Great Sides for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A light, zesty pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc cuts through the rich, cheesy pasta perfectly. Its refreshing acidity balances the creamy tomato sauce and complements the chicken's savory flavors.
  • Match with Rustic Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied chianti or sangiovese that stands up to the robust marinara and melted cheese. These Italian wines enhance the dish's hearty, comforting profile with their subtle fruit notes.
  • Complement with Sparkling Water: A chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon provides a clean, palate-cleansing counterpoint to the pasta's richness. Its bubbles help refresh your taste buds between each cheesy, saucy bite.
  • Serve with Garlic Bread: Toasted, buttery garlic bread becomes the ideal sidekick for soaking up extra marinara sauce. Its crispy texture and garlicky punch create a delightful contrast to the soft, cheesy pasta.

Flavor Mix-Ups for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

  • Spicy Kickback Pasta: Amp up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce during cooking. The spicy notes will transform the classic dish into a zesty, mouth-tingling experience.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace marinara with sun-dried tomato sauce and incorporate crumbled feta cheese. Sprinkle oregano, mint, and chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that transports your taste buds.
  • Creamy Mushroom Upgrade: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding chicken and introduce a touch of heavy cream for a rich, velvety texture. Incorporate fresh thyme and swap mozzarella for gruyère cheese to elevate the earthy undertones.
  • Protein Power Remix: Substitute chicken with ground turkey or lean ground beef for a different protein option. Mix in some spinach or kale during the final cooking stage to boost nutritional value and add vibrant green color.

Questions Answered for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

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

Yes! While the recipe works best with medium-sized pasta like penne or rigatoni, you can easily substitute with other shapes like shells or rotini. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar.

  • Is this dish spicy?

No, this one-pot chicken parmesan pasta is mild and kid-friendly. The seasonings provide flavor without heat. If you want a bit of kick, you can add red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and pasta mixture in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop. Just add a splash of broth if it seems dry and stir to restore the creamy consistency.

  • 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. The goal is to maintain that classic Italian herb flavor in your dish.

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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

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

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible one-pot chicken parmesan pasta that combines classic Italian flavors with weeknight ease. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, this simple dish brings restaurant-quality satisfaction directly to your kitchen, promising deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Dairy and Cheese:

  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 (24 oz/680 g) jar marinara sauce
  • 2 cups (200 g) uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, drizzling olive oil to create a smooth cooking surface.
  2. Add diced chicken seasoned with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken pieces, stirring periodically, until they develop a golden-brown exterior and are thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  3. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and ready for later incorporation.
  4. Utilize the same pot without washing, pouring in chicken broth, marinara sauce, and uncooked pasta. Gently mix the ingredients to ensure even distribution.
  5. Elevate the heat to generate a boiling point, then immediately reduce to medium-low. Cover the pot and allow the mixture to simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from sticking, until the pasta reaches an al dente texture and the liquid transforms into a slightly thickened consistency.
  6. Reintroduce the previously cooked chicken into the pasta mixture, folding it gently to integrate all components.
  7. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese across the surface, stirring to create a creamy, integrated texture.
  8. Distribute shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then cover the pot, letting the residual heat melt the cheese into a luxurious blanket.
  9. Once the cheese has melted completely, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finishing touch.
  10. Serve immediately, accompanied by garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete dining experience.

Notes

  • Customize chicken cooking by using chicken thighs for richer flavor or turkey for a leaner protein option.
  • Select marinara sauce carefully, choosing low-sodium varieties to control salt content for health-conscious diners.
  • Prevent pasta from sticking by stirring frequently and ensuring enough liquid covers the pasta during cooking process.
  • Enhance dish’s nutritional value by adding diced vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during sauce simmering stage.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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