Get ready to fall head over heels for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta! This recipe brings together juicy chicken, al dente penne, savory marinara, and plenty of gooey melted cheese in just thirty minutes—all in one pan. It’s the kind of comfort food magic that’s equally perfect for busy weeknights and cozy Sunday suppers, bursting with familiar Italian-American flavors and an irresistibly creamy texture. When you make this, expect big smiles at the table and barely a noodle leftover!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta lies in its clever simplicity: every ingredient is a building block contributing to rich flavor, crave-worthy texture, and vibrant color. Gather these essentials for a meal that feels both effortless and extra special.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base and helps brown the chicken to perfection.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook fast and soak up all the saucy goodness.
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend that delivers those familiar “Parmesan night” aromas.
- Salt: Pulls all the flavors together and elevates each bite.
- Black pepper: Just the right amount of kick to keep things lively.
- Garlic (minced): Brings warmth and that signature Italian touch everyone loves.
- Marinara sauce: Forms the tangy, tomatoey heart of the pasta.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and ensures the pasta cooks evenly with maximum flavor.
- Uncooked penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to capture every drop of cheesy sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stringy bliss for that real “Parmesan chicken” feel.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and a savory finish—don’t skip it!
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): A sprinkle adds fragrant color and a fresh touch to your finished dish.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces, sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want the chicken to be browned and mostly cooked through—don’t worry if it’s not fully done, as it’ll cook more with the pasta later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Next, toss in that glorious minced garlic. Let it sauté for about a minute, just until it smells irresistibly fragrant. This is where your kitchen starts to fill with those classic, cozy Italian aromas!
Step 3: Add Sauces and Broth
Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. This rich, savory liquid will not only flavor the chicken but also serve as the cooking bath for your pasta.
Step 4: Stir in the Pasta
Add the uncooked penne straight into the pot. Give everything a good stir to nestle the pasta under the saucy surface, ensuring it cooks evenly and soaks up all those scrumptious flavors.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until your penne is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The sauce should be luxuriously thick and clinging to every bite.
Step 6: Make it Cheesy
Once off the heat, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Watch as the cheese melts into the sauce, creating that creamy, oozy texture that defines One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Add a final flourish by sprinkling with chopped basil or parsley if you like. Serve your piping hot, cheesy masterpiece directly from the pot—no extra dishes required!
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley not only adds a burst of color, but its bright, herby flavor cuts through the richness of the pasta perfectly. For an extra special touch, scatter a little more Parmesan on top or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re a fan of heat.
Side Dishes
Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta with a crisp green salad, classic garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. Anything that can mop up the extra sauce or add a fresh crunch makes a wonderful pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style fun, serve this dish right in the pot centerpiece-style and let everyone scoop their own. Hosting friends? Ladle into individual bowls and top each with a dramatic swirl of basil or extra cheese. You can also bake a thin mozzarella layer under the broiler for bubbly, golden perfection before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, transfer any leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, and the flavors get even more delicious after mingling overnight.
Freezing
For longer storage, portion individual servings into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, let the pasta cool completely before freezing, and avoid garnishing with fresh herbs until after reheating.
Reheating
Simply reheat your pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce. Stir thoroughly and heat until warmed through. Top with an extra sprinkle of cheese for renewed gooey deliciousness!
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne is a classic, but you can use rigatoni, rotini, or any medium-size pasta you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as different shapes may need an extra minute or two.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
If you love a little kick, simply add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or stir them in at the end. You can also offer hot sauce at the table for those who want extra heat.
Can I make this with rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using shredded rotisserie chicken makes this dish even faster! Stir the cooked chicken in with the marinara and broth, then proceed with the recipe as written. Since the chicken is already cooked, you can skip the browning step.
Is there a way to add more vegetables?
Of course! Toss in a few handfuls of fresh spinach, chopped bell peppers, or zucchini during the last few minutes of simmering. The extra veggies cook quickly and make this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta even more wholesome.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely—just use your favorite gluten-free penne or pasta shape and double-check your marinara and broth are gluten-free as well. You may need to slightly adjust the liquid or cooking time depending on your pasta.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around a pot of freshly made One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. It’s easy enough for any night, but tastes like a treat. I hope you love every cheesy, flavorful bite and that this recipe becomes a new favorite at your table!
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey cheese with pasta for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Parmesan Pasta:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in garlic, then pour in marinara sauce and chicken broth. Add penne pasta, stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
- Finish: Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Garnish with basil or parsley.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat, or spinach for extra greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
