Cozy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and flavor, and this one-pot chicken parmesan pasta delivers both with delightful ease.

Melted cheese and crispy chicken dance together in a single skillet, creating a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Tender pasta absorbs the rich, savory sauce, making every bite a celebration of classic Italian-American cuisine.

Minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction come together in this streamlined recipe that combines all the beloved elements of traditional chicken parmesan.

The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, proving that gourmet-style meals can be quick and uncomplicated.

Families and home cooks will devour this pasta with pure joy and appreciate its effortless preparation.

Dive into this culinary adventure and let your taste buds experience pure comfort.

Handy Items For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Large Pot or Deep Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing the entire one-pot meal, provides ample space for all ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring chicken and pasta, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure chicken broth and marinara sauce for balanced flavors.
• Cutting Board: Needed for dicing chicken and chopping fresh basil if using.
• Sharp Knife: Used for precise chicken cutting and herb preparation.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for fresh Parmesan cheese, though pre-grated works well.

How To Cook One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Fast

• Chicken Sizzle

Grab a spacious pot and warm some olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chicken pieces and sprinkle them with a magical blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken dance and sear until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and cooks completely. Scoop out the chicken and set it aside for later.

• Pasta Magic

Without washing the pot, pour in chicken broth and marinara sauce. Drop the uncooked pasta right into this flavorful liquid. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let the pasta absorb all those delicious flavors for about 12-15 minutes, occasionally giving it a loving stir.

• Cheesy Finale

Welcome back the cooked chicken to the pot. Shower the pasta with Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy landscape. Sprinkle mozzarella on top and let it melt into a gooey blanket. Allow the cheese to get all soft and dreamy for a few minutes.

• Serving Glory

If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some fresh basil leaves on top. Serve this comfort meal piping hot, maybe with a crisp side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the amazing sauce.

Simple Changes For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Liquid Adjustment Magic: If your pasta seems too dry, gradually add extra chicken broth or water during cooking to maintain perfect sauce consistency without making it soggy.
• No-Meat Marvel: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or white beans for a vegetarian version that delivers the same delicious flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties like brown rice or chickpea pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Spice Level Control: For those who love heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to elevate the dish's flavor complexity and give it a zesty kick.

Best Ways To Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty one-pot chicken parmesan pasta as the star of a warm, comforting family meal. Gather everyone around the table and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness together.
• Casual Italian Feast: Pair the pasta with a crisp Caesar salad and some crusty garlic bread to create a restaurant-style dining experience right in your kitchen. The combination brings out the classic Italian flavors perfectly.
• Quick Lunch Upgrade: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious work or school lunch. The dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and develop, making it an ideal meal prep option.
• Entertaining Made Easy: Impress guests with this simple yet delicious one-pot wonder that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Serve in a large, rustic serving dish for a beautiful and inviting presentation.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Storage Tips

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, separating chicken and sauce. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.
• Reheating Magic Trick: Warm portions in microwave with splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly. Low-medium power prevents pasta from becoming rubbery.
• Portion Control Wisdom: Divide remaining pasta into individual meal-sized containers. Label with date and contents. Quick grab-and-go lunches become effortless, reducing food waste and saving time during busy weeks.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 3

Stuff You Need For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor and texture to the dish, choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cutting and consistent cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Provides depth of flavor and moisture, enhances overall taste profile of the pasta.

• Garlic Powder: Adds instant aromatic warmth without chopping fresh garlic.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings classic Mediterranean herb blend with balanced oregano, basil, and thyme notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening all other flavors in the recipe.

• Marinara Sauce: Tangy tomato base that creates rich, classic Italian taste, select high-quality jarred sauce or homemade version.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertones and helps thicken sauce slightly.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers creamy, melty texture with mild, smooth cheese experience.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Optional garnish that provides bright, fresh herb finish to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté chicken and prevents sticking, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Uncooked Pasta: Acts as main carbohydrate component, allows sauce to be absorbed during cooking process.

Cheesy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Savory one-pot chicken parmesan pasta brings Italian comfort to your weeknight dinner table. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and al dente pasta combine for a delightful meal you can easily prepare in a single skillet.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, diced
• 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups (200 g) penne or rigatoni pasta, uncooked
• 1 jar (24 oz/680 g) marinara sauce
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• basil leaves, fresh (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sear Chicken: Heat a large pot over medium heat with olive oil. Introduce seasoned chicken pieces, cooking until golden-brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Create Pasta Base: In the same pot, combine chicken broth, marinara sauce, and uncooked pasta. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
3. Simmer and Develop: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches al dente and liquid thickens, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Integrate Components: Fold the reserved chicken back into the pasta, ensuring even incorporation of all ingredients.
5. Cheese Fusion: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the pasta, stirring to create a creamy consistency. Top with mozzarella cheese, covering the pot to allow the residual heat to melt the cheese completely.
6. Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Plate immediately, pairing with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir frequently during simmering to ensure pasta doesn’t clump or burn at the bottom of the pot.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pot from heat when adding cheese to prevent overcooking and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Protein Customization: Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or plant-based protein alternatives for dietary preferences or vegetarian options.
• Liquid Adjustment: Have extra chicken broth on hand in case pasta requires more moisture during cooking to achieve perfect al dente consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg