If you are craving comfort food that comes together quickly yet bursts with bold flavors, this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender bites of seasoned chicken mingling effortlessly with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that feels indulgent but cooks up in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. This recipe combines the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan with the convenience of an all-in-one pasta dish, delivering a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is simple yet crucial, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make every bite irresistible. From the juicy chicken pieces to the vibrant marinara, every component works together harmoniously in this fuss-free dish.
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: The star protein providing tender chunks throughout the pasta.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Adds that classic Italian herb blend to boost flavor depth.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile with subtle garlic notes.
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced: Brings natural sweetness and aromatic richness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with bold savoriness.
- 16 oz dried short-cut pasta (e.g., rigatoni): Perfect shape to hold onto sauce and evenly cook in one pot.
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce: High-quality marinara forms the heart of the sauce base.
- Water (to fill the empty marinara jar): Adds just the right amount of liquid for tender pasta and rich sauce consistency.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Offers sharp, nutty flavor to balance the richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all elements alive.
- Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional: For extra herbaceous kick if desired.
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced: Provides a fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten each serving.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Season the Chicken
Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, seasoning them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Sauté the chicken until it’s mostly cooked through, about 5 minutes, allowing it to develop a nice golden color. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside temporarily. This step ensures your chicken is juicy and flavorful, setting a strong foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in the minced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic sweetness. This builds a fragrant base to complement the savory chicken and marinara sauce that will follow.
Step 3: Add the Marinara Sauce and Water
Pour in the jar of marinara sauce, then fill the empty jar with water and add it to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. This combination creates a flavorful cooking liquid that will absorb into the pasta, ensuring it’s infused with that classic chicken Parmesan taste throughout.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken, Then Simmer
Return the sautéed chicken to the pot and add the dried pasta. Stir everything to combine, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has soaked up the delicious sauce. This one-pot method means all the flavors meld beautifully without extra pots and pans.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix until the cheese melts completely into the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy texture. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly on top, cover, and let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to achieve a bubbly, melted cheese topping.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley or basil over the pasta for a delightful pop of color and fresh flavor. Now your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is ready to enjoy — rich, cheesy, and full of heartwarming flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes can elevate your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe from delicious to dazzling. Freshly chopped parsley or basil not only adds a vibrant green contrast but also infuses a subtle herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan gives a salty, nutty punch at the very end.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is quite hearty on its own, pairing it with simple sides enhances the experience. Crisp green salads with a tangy vinaigrette balance the richness beautifully. Garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls are fantastic for sopping up every bit of that luscious sauce. For a vegetable side, roasted broccoli or steamed green beans add freshness and texture variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or cozy family meals, serve the pasta in rustic bowls to showcase its comforting appeal. Sprinkle colorful diced tomatoes or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving to add visual flair and extra flavor complexity. You can even pack it into individual ramekins and broil briefly to create bubbly, crusted mini casseroles — a fun twist on the classic presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. When reheated, the flavors stay vibrant, and the pasta maintains a satisfyingly creamy texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. Keep in mind that fresh herbs are best added after reheating, as they may lose their vibrancy in the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to combine. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, to evenly warm the dish without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni or other short-cut pastas are ideal because they hold sauce well and cook evenly in one pot, you can substitute with penne, ziti, or even fusilli. Just be mindful of cooking times, as thinner pasta may cook faster and require adjustments.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant to create a vegetarian version. Simply sauté your chosen veggies in place of the chicken, and follow the same method for a delicious meat-free meal.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prepare most components in advance, such as chopping ingredients and cooking the chicken. However, for the best texture and freshness, it’s recommended to combine pasta and sauce just before serving. Reheating gently right before the guests arrive will deliver the best experience.
What if I don’t have Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on hand?
Parmesan and mozzarella are key to the classic flavor profile, but you can substitute with other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina for the mozzarella, and pecorino Romano if Parmesan isn’t available. Each substitute will bring its own unique twist.
How spicy is this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
This dish is mild and comforting by nature. If you enjoy a little heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes during seasoning or sprinkle some on top when serving to add a gentle kick.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite because it captures the heart of Italian comfort food while staying incredibly easy and accessible. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this recipe offers a delicious, satisfying meal without complicated steps or endless dishes. Give it a try, and let its cheesy, savory goodness become a staple in your dinner rotation — I promise, you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together and how wonderfully it tastes.
Print
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish combining tender chicken, hearty pasta, and rich marinara sauce, all cooked together for a mess-free, comforting meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta & Sauce
- 16 oz dried short-cut pasta (e.g., rigatoni)
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce (e.g., Newman’s Own)
- Water to fill the empty marinara sauce jar
Cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is mostly cooked through but not fully done. Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its flavors.
- Add Sauce and Liquid: Pour the marinara sauce into the pot. Then, fill the empty marinara sauce jar with water and add it to the pot as well. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Simmer with Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and add the dried pasta. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese into the pasta mixture. Mix until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is creamy.
- Melt Remaining Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta in the pot. Cover and allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes over low heat until the cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Garnish the pasta with freshly minced parsley or basil for a burst of fresh flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting one-pot chicken Parmesan pasta.
Notes
- Use rigatoni, penne, or any short-cut pasta that holds sauce well for best results.
- Adjust seasoning to taste during cooking to ensure balanced flavors.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes when sautéing onions and garlic.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
