This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that brings all the delicious elements of classic Chicken Parmesan into one easy skillet meal. Tender chunks of chicken, pasta cooked right in a rich tomato sauce, and a blanket of gooey melted cheese—this is the kind of dinner I turn to when I want big flavor with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines everything I crave in Chicken Parmesan—crispy chicken, savory marinara, and melted cheese—but in a much easier, quicker format. Everything cooks in a single pot, so there’s less mess and more flavor. The pasta soaks up the sauce as it cooks, making every bite extra delicious. Plus, it’s perfect for weeknights when I want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work great)
- Marinara sauce
- Chicken broth or water
- Italian seasoning
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
directions
- I start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a large pot or deep skillet, I heat olive oil and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, then remove it and set it aside.
- In the same pot, I sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.
- I add the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning, stirring everything together.
- I bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, I return the chicken to the pot and mix it in.
- I sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top, cover the pot, and let the cheese melt.
- Before serving, I like to garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
I’ve swapped the chicken for ground turkey or Italian sausage when I want a different flavor profile. If I’m going meatless, I use mushrooms or eggplant instead. I also like to add spinach or chopped zucchini to sneak in more veggies. Using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well too.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or warm them in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it from drying out. If I’m reheating a big batch, I cover it with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, I’ve done this when I’m short on time. I just stir the shredded cooked chicken into the pasta toward the end, right before adding the cheese.
What type of pasta works best?
I usually go for penne, rotini, or rigatoni because they hold the sauce well. But honestly, any short pasta shape works great.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. I often make it in the morning and reheat it later. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, I let the dish cool completely, then freeze portions in airtight containers. When I want to reheat, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot?
I stir it a few times while it’s simmering, especially in the first few minutes. A good nonstick pot helps too.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is everything I love about comfort food—rich, cheesy, saucy, and deeply satisfying—with the bonus of minimal cleanup. It’s a perfect go-to for busy nights when I want a homemade meal without a pile of dishes. Every time I make it, it’s a hit with everyone at the table.
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, One-Pot Meals
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a quick, cheesy, and comforting dinner that combines tender chicken, marinara sauce, pasta, and melted cheese in a single skillet. With minimal cleanup and big flavor, it’s a weeknight-friendly twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Uncooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- Marinara sauce
- Chicken broth or water
- Italian seasoning
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil and cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Return chicken to the pot and mix to combine.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Cover and let cheese melt.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with ground turkey, sausage, or go meatless with mushrooms or eggplant.
- Add veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Stir pasta during cooking to prevent sticking.
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