Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe That Wows Every Time

Comfort meets convenience in this remarkable one-pot chicken parmesan pasta that transforms weeknight dinners into delightful culinary adventures.

Every home cook knows the struggle of complex meal preparations.

Busy schedules demand smart cooking solutions that don’t compromise on flavor.

Imagine tender chicken pieces nestled among perfectly cooked pasta strands, all prepared in a single pot with minimal cleanup.

Melted cheese creates a golden, crispy layer that adds irresistible texture to each bite.

Italian-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly to create a dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly this meal comes together, promising deliciousness without hours of kitchen work.

Dive into this recipe and experience dinner magic in just thirty minutes.

Why One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Is A Weeknight Winner

• Craft Flavor-Packed Meal: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering chicken pasta dish bursting with Italian-inspired seasonings and cheesy goodness.
• Master One-Pan Cooking: Minimize cleanup with a single skillet technique that builds layers of flavor from seared chicken to perfectly cooked pasta and melted cheese.
• Perfect Weeknight Dinner Solution: Delivers a restaurant-quality meal that comes together quickly, satisfying hungry families with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping proteins, adding vegetables, or adjusting cheese types to match personal preferences or pantry ingredients.

Ingredients For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that provides substantial protein and creates a hearty base for the one-pan meal.

• Penne Pasta: Classic tube-shaped pasta that perfectly captures sauce and provides a satisfying texture.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that adds rich, tangy flavor to the dish.
• Water or Chicken Broth: Helps create the necessary liquid for cooking pasta and enhancing overall moisture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken and dish.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Traditional Italian herbs that provide depth and authentic Mediterranean seasoning.
• Minced Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds a robust, savory undertone to the entire dish.

• Fresh Basil: Bright, fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a final layer of flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and creates a luxurious, stretchy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds a nutty and salty complexity to the dish.

• Olive Oil: High-quality cooking oil that provides a smooth cooking surface and subtle flavor.

How To Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Season generously with salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano to infuse deep, rich flavors throughout the meat.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken pieces into the hot pan, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.

Step 3: Create Sauce Base

In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic for just 30 seconds, releasing its fragrant aroma without scorching.

Step 4: Build Liquid Foundation

Add marinara sauce and water/broth to the skillet, creating a flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Directly add uncooked penne pasta into the sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure each pasta piece is evenly coated and prevents sticking.

Step 6: Simmer and Absorb

Cover the skillet and let pasta simmer for 12-14 minutes. Stir occasionally to guarantee even cooking and sauce absorption.

Step 7: Reunite Chicken

When pasta is nearly al dente, return chicken pieces to the skillet. Gently mix to redistribute heat and blend flavors.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses across the entire dish.

Step 9: Melt and Brown

Cover skillet and allow cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped basil. Serve immediately while hot and deliciously cheesy.

Pro Tips For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Choose High-Quality Chicken: Select fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, uniform pieces that cook evenly and absorb seasonings perfectly.
• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir pasta frequently during cooking to avoid clumping and ensure each piece is coated with delicious marinara sauce.
• Control Cheese Melting: Sprinkle cheese evenly and use low heat to achieve a smooth, golden-brown top without burning or creating tough cheese layers.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add dried herbs generously when seasoning chicken to enhance overall taste profile and create a more complex, restaurant-style dish.
• Master Skillet Technique: Use the same skillet for chicken and pasta to preserve and build layers of flavor throughout the cooking process.

Tasty Variations For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking technique for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or harissa paste to the sauce for an extra zesty and bold flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute penne with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the original recipe's essence.

Best Sides For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy, herbal chicken pasta, cutting through the richness with bright acidity.
• Boost with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, offering a refreshing contrast to the hearty, cheesy pasta dish.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, toasted garlic bread alongside the pasta to soak up extra sauce and provide a crunchy texture counterpoint.
• Mediterranean-Style Side: Add a quick Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese to enhance the Italian-inspired flavors and provide a cool, tangy element.

How To Store One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add 2-3 tablespoons water or broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of water or broth to restore moisture.

FAQs For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Season the chicken generously and avoid overcooking. Use medium-high heat for quick searing, which locks in moisture and keeps the meat tender and juicy.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini. Just ensure the cooking time remains consistent with the recipe’s instructions.

• What if I don't have marinara sauce?

You can replace marinara with tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, or homemade tomato-based sauce. The key is maintaining a similar liquid consistency for pasta cooking.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this crowd-pleasing one-pot chicken parmesan pasta, blending classic Italian flavors with weeknight simplicity. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, this dish delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction straight from your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 16 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Cheese:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, seasoning thoroughly with salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano to ensure deep flavor penetration.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for quick chicken browning.
3. Sear chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
5. Pour marinara sauce and water/broth into the skillet, creating a flavorful liquid base for cooking pasta.
6. Add uncooked penne pasta directly into the sauce, stirring to ensure even coating and prevent sticking.
7. Cover and simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing pasta to absorb the sauce and cook thoroughly.
8. When pasta is almost al dente, return chicken pieces to the skillet, gently mixing to redistribute heat and flavors.
9. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly across the surface, creating a melty, golden cheese layer.
10. Cover and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and slightly browned.
11. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped basil, and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Notes

• Prevent chicken dryness by not overcooking, using a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F without turning rubbery.
• Select high-quality marinara sauce or make homemade for deeper, more authentic flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.
• Gluten-free adaptation works perfectly by substituting regular penne with gluten-free pasta varieties like chickpea or rice-based options.
• Create a lighter version by using part-skim mozzarella and reducing parmesan quantity, maintaining delicious taste while cutting calories.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg