Who else loves the magical combination of pasta, chicken, and a cheesy, tomatoey sauce all cooked in one pot? If you’re nodding enthusiastically (same here!), this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is about to become your go-to recipe. Not only does it deliver all the cozy, classic flavors of chicken parmesan, but it’s also ridiculously simple to make—and there’s only one pot to clean. Seriously, who doesn’t love a dish that’s big on flavor and light on cleanup?
This recipe is one of those weeknight lifesavers I come back to over and over. It’s quick, hearty, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a picky eater or just want something easy and satisfying, this dish checks all the boxes. Plus, the fact that everything cooks together means the pasta absorbs all those delicious, savory flavors from the sauce and chicken. Yum!
So grab your favorite deep skillet or large pot, and let’s dive in!
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
To kick things off, you’ll need 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced into bite-sized pieces. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. As the oil starts to shimmer, toss in the chicken and season it with a blend of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. These simple seasonings are where the magic begins—they infuse the chicken with a savory, herby flavor that lays the foundation for the whole dish.
Cook the chicken for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s mostly cooked through. You’re looking for a slight golden color on the outside, but don’t worry if it’s not cooked all the way just yet. It’ll finish cooking later. Once the chicken is ready, scoop it out of the pot and set it aside for now.
Pro Tip: Want extra juicy chicken? Don’t overcrowd the pot while cooking. If needed, cook the chicken in two batches to get a nice sear without steaming it.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Next up, it’s time to sauté some aromatic goodness. In the same pot (because we’re keeping it one-pot simple here), add a minced medium yellow onion and three cloves of garlic. There’s something about the smell of onion and garlic sizzling in olive oil that instantly makes the kitchen feel cozier, don’t you think?
Cook the mixture for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. This step builds a flavor base that will make your sauce sing, so don’t skip it! You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells downright irresistible.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Here’s where it gets exciting. Grab a 24-ounce jar of your favorite marinara sauce and pour it right into the pot with the onions and garlic. To ensure you’re not leaving behind any precious sauce, fill the empty marinara jar with water, give it a little shake, and pour that into the pot too. This extra liquid is key—it’ll help the pasta cook perfectly while creating a luscious sauce.
Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a strong simmer, letting those flavors meld for a couple of minutes. This step sets the stage for the pasta and chicken to soak up all that saucy, tomatoey goodness.
Continuation of the Recipe and Helpful Tips
Now that our base is simmering and fragrant, it’s time to bring this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta to life. Get ready to combine everything into a cheesy, hearty dish that’ll have everyone going back for seconds (or thirds!).
Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Chicken Together
Here’s where the magic of this recipe really shines: cooking the pasta and chicken together in the sauce. No need to pre-boil the pasta or use multiple pots—this is one-pot perfection at its finest!
Start by returning the cooked chicken to the pot. Then, add 16 ounces of dried short-cut pasta (think rigatoni, penne, or your favorite tubular shape). Stir everything well to make sure the pasta is fully coated in the marinara sauce. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on medium heat for about 10–15 minutes.
Pro Tip: Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks. This prevents it from sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking. If you notice the sauce getting too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and has soaked up all that delicious tomatoey flavor. Trust me, the aroma alone will have you counting down the minutes.
Step 5: Incorporate the Parmesan and Mozzarella
Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, it’s time to turn this dish into a cheesy masterpiece. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and about 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella. These cheeses melt beautifully into the sauce, creating a creamy, flavorful consistency that takes this dish to the next level.
Pro Tip: Grate your own Parmesan and mozzarella for the best texture and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts.
Step 6: Top with More Mozzarella
Now for the finishing touch: that gooey, irresistible mozzarella layer on top! Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta. Cover the pot again and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pro Tip: Want a golden, bubbly finish? Transfer the pot (if oven-safe) under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on it—this step goes fast but adds a delightful texture to the cheese.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to plate up this cheesy, chicken-packed masterpiece. Sprinkle the top with a pinch of extra Italian seasoning for a little extra flavor boost. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. The vibrant green not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish with fresh, herbal notes.
Serve your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta hot, straight from the pot, and get ready for the oohs and ahhs at the dinner table. Pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal that’s nothing short of comforting perfection.
Tips and Variations to Make It Your Own
- Swap the Protein: Don’t have chicken on hand? No problem! Substitute with ground turkey, sausage, or even shrimp for a delicious twist.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Go Veggie: Want to make this vegetarian? Skip the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: Experiment with different cheeses! Try provolone, gouda, or even a sprinkle of ricotta for a unique flavor.
FAQs and Conclusion
Now that we’ve walked through every cheesy, delicious step of this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, let’s tackle some common questions to make sure you’re ready to whip up this dish like a pro. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re a seasoned pasta enthusiast, these tips will help ensure success every time.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time since these types of pasta often cook faster or slower than regular pasta. If using gluten-free pasta, stir gently to avoid breaking the noodles.
Q2: What if my pasta isn’t fully cooked but the sauce is too thick?
No worries! Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and continue cooking the pasta until it’s tender. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time. Cook everything as directed, but skip the final mozzarella topping. When reheating, add a splash of water to refresh the sauce, top with mozzarella, and heat until bubbly.
Q4: Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can! Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stove with a splash of water or marinara sauce to bring it back to life.
Q5: What can I serve with this dish?
This pasta is a hearty one-pot meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner. A glass of red wine doesn’t hurt either!
Q6: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly. Simply skip the chicken cooking step and add the pre-cooked chicken when you combine the pasta and sauce.
Q7: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the pasta to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
Conclusion
And there you have it—your new favorite weeknight dinner that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is everything you could want in a comfort meal: cheesy, saucy, hearty, and satisfying, with the bonus of minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this dish never fails to impress.
So, why not give it a try? Pull out your biggest pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a meal that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe rotation. And when you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add your own twist or stick to the original? Drop a comment below and let me know. Happy cooking—and even happier eating!
Print
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan without the hassle of multiple dishes. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, savory marinara, and melty cheese combine in a single pot for a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz dried short-cut pasta (e.g., rigatoni, penne)
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce
- Water to fill the empty marinara sauce jar
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot or deep skillet, 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.
Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic.
Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:
Pour in the marinara sauce and fill the empty sauce jar with water. Add the water to the pot and stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a strong simmer.
4️⃣ Cook the Pasta and Chicken:
Return the chicken to the pot and add the dried pasta. Stir to combine.
Cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked to your liking.
5️⃣ Incorporate the Cheese:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
6️⃣ Top with Mozzarella:
Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the pot and let cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
7️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning, if desired.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot. Enjoy your cheesy, one-pot delight!
Notes
- Pasta Variations: Any short-cut pasta like penne, fusilli, or ziti works well. Adjust the cooking time slightly for different pasta shapes.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add spinach, diced zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or marinara sauce to keep it moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6
