One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new weeknight hero: One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta! This dish captures everything you crave from classic chicken parm—juicy chicken, melty cheese, and zesty marinara—then tosses it all together with perfectly tender pasta in one gloriously easy skillet. In just about half an hour, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy pasta feast on the table (with minimal cleanup!). Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying to impress friends, there’s just something irresistible about this one-pot wonder that gets everyone swooning with every saucy forkful.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is that the ingredients are simple, wholesome, and so effective at building big flavor. Each addition—whether for creaminess, savoriness, or color—brings its own magic, making the entire dish shine. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

• Olive oil: Adds just enough richness to sauté the chicken and infuse depth right from the start.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender bite-sized pieces cook fast and soak up all those herby, garlicky flavors.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of classic dried herbs that instantly brings out an “old-school Italian” vibe.
• Garlic powder: Boosts savory flavor with little effort for that comforting, aromatic base.
• Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings for brightening and balancing every bite.
• Uncooked penne or rotini pasta: The pasta absorbs all the saucy, cheesy goodness as it cooks.
• Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with extra flavor while making it deliciously tender.
• Marinara sauce: The zippy tomato backbone that holds everything together—choose your favorite jar!
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melt-in-your-mouth stretchiness and creaminess is non-negotiable in chicken parm.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Umami-rich and nutty, it adds that signature sharpness on top and in every layer.
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional): For a bright pop of color and a fresh herbal finish—it truly elevates each serving.
• Seasoned breadcrumbs (optional): Adds a crunchy, golden topping reminiscent of the crispy coating on classic chicken parm.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your chicken pieces and sprinkle them with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let everything mingle in the pan for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the chicken is lightly browned. This is where you’re building those dreamy, cozy base flavors—it already smells amazing!

Step 2: Add the Pasta, Broth, and Sauce

Pour in your uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and hearty marinara sauce right into the skillet. Give it a good stir so that all the pasta gets a chance to nestle down in the flavorful liquids. Turn up the heat to bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce to medium-low, cover, and let everything simmer away for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks and to keep the pasta evenly cooked—the anticipation only builds!

Step 3: Stir in Cheeses and Finish

Remove the skillet from the heat once your pasta is tender and your chicken is fully cooked. Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses so they melt luxuriously into the pasta and sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover for a couple of minutes to let it get extra melty, or go wild and pop the skillet under a broiler for a bubbly, golden finish. Get ready: you’re almost at cheesy pasta heaven.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Now comes the fun part—the finishing touches! Sprinkle on your fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color, and scatter crisp seasoned breadcrumbs over the top if you’re after classic chicken parmesan crunch. Serve it hot and watch everyone dive in (seconds are pretty much guaranteed).

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

A generous shower of fresh basil or parsley makes your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta look restaurant-worthy and gives each bite a refreshing lift. Don’t skip a final dusting of grated Parmesan and, if you have it, a light drizzle of good olive oil for extra richness. Toasted seasoned breadcrumbs add just-right crunch for that “classic chicken parmesan” finishing touch.

Side Dishes

While this dish can easily stand alone, a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or a plate of roasted green beans is a perfect complement. If you’re in a true comfort mood, serve it with garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls to swoop up every last bit of sauce—the full Italian-American experience!

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta into mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for a playful, individual serving style (perfect for dinner parties). If you’re feeding a crowd, bring the whole skillet straight to the table and let guests help themselves—family style always feels festive. For a lunch or potluck, package portions in thermos containers; it holds heat beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner!

Freezing

You can freeze your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta for longer storage. Simply portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, leave off breadcrumbs until reheating, as they’re best when freshly toasted.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or a spoonful of sauce to keep things nice and saucy, then warm it up gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If you reserved breadcrumbs for topping, toast them quickly in a skillet with a drop of oil and scatter them on just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully for this, offering even juicier results and a bit more flavor. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the pasta.

What’s the best pasta shape for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta?

Penne and rotini both work fabulously since their shapes hold onto the sauce and cheese. However, you can swap in rigatoni, ziti, or even small shells—just keep an eye on cooking times and add a splash more broth if needed.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your breadcrumbs (if using) are gluten-free. Keep in mind that gluten-free pasta may cook a bit faster or need extra broth, so check a couple of minutes early for doneness.

What’s the difference between using fresh and dried herbs?

Dried Italian seasoning delivers classic, concentrated flavors and is perfect for simmering. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley should be added right before serving for their bright, aromatic notes and vivid color—both add a lot, so use what you love!

Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Absolutely! Toss in some baby spinach, chopped kale, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms with the pasta and sauce. They cook down beautifully and add color, nutrition, and variety to your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a big, cheesy, comforting hug, you absolutely have to try One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. It’s simple enough for any night, yet impressive enough for guests, and never fails to gather everyone happily around the table. Give it a go—you might just add it to your regular dinner rotation!

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