There is something incredibly comforting and utterly delicious about this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe that makes it an absolute must-try for any pasta lover. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken pieces mingling with al dente rigatoni, swimming in a rich tomato sauce, then topped with melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese—all cooked in one pot for easy clean-up and maximum flavor. This dish effortlessly combines the best of Italian-American flavors in a warm, inviting meal that your family and friends will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to nailing this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe. Each element plays an important role—from the herbs that infuse the chicken with vibrant flavor, to the cheeses that provide creamy richness and depth.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing chicken and building layers of flavor with a subtle fruity aroma.
- Chicken breasts: Diced into bite-sized pieces, these provide tender protein that soaks up all the seasoning.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an aromatic, herbaceous punch to the dish.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These promote a robust savory backbone even before fresh aromatics are added.
- Garlic salt: Enhances the garlic flavor and helps with seasoning at the start of cooking.
- Yellow onion: Finely minced for a natural sweetness that complements the sauce perfectly.
- Garlic paste: Provides an intense garlic taste that melds beautifully into the dish.
- Rigatoni pasta: The ideal sturdy pasta shape that holds onto sauce and cheese in every bite.
- Ragu Old World Traditional Pasta Sauce: A rich, flavorful tomato base that brings everything together with warmth and depth.
- Chicken stock: Adds complexity and moisture, ensuring the pasta cooks tenderly right in the pot.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded for gooey, melty creaminess that blankets the pasta perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty finish to elevate every forkful.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor as a garnish.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic salt. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the herbs and spices. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is just about cooked through. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste here; this is the moment to build layers of flavor from the start.
Step 2: Build Flavor with Onion and Garlic
Next, add the finely minced yellow onion and garlic paste into the pot with the chicken. Sauté these together for 5-7 minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. This step deepens the flavor profile, creating a beautiful base that complements the chicken and sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Simmer Pasta in Sauce and Stock
Pour in the jar of Ragu Old World Traditional Pasta Sauce and chicken stock, then add your dried rigatoni pasta. Stir well to combine and make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 12-14 minutes. During this time, the pasta will cook to a perfect al dente texture while soaking up all the incredible flavors from the chicken, onions, and sauce.
Step 4: Incorporate Mozzarella Creaminess
Once your pasta is cooked, stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese to create a creamy, luscious texture. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the pasta. Cover the pot again for a couple of minutes, allowing the cheese to melt fully and create that irresistible golden, bubbly crust on top.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve your Chicken Parmesan Pasta piping hot and watch as family and friends dive in for seconds—the perfect cozy meal for any night of the week.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just pretty to look at; it brings a slightly herbaceous lift that balances the richness of the cheese and sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added silkiness.
Side Dishes
This pasta dish stands star on its own, but pairing it with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlic roasted vegetables creates a well-rounded meal. Crunchy breadsticks or a warm baguette can also help soak up the delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Parmesan Pasta in mini cast-iron skillets to keep it warm and give a rustic touch. Alternatively, layering the pasta in individual casserole dishes, topping with extra cheese, and broiling just before serving creates a bubbly, cheesy crust that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Parmesan Pasta tastes fantastic even as leftovers. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to cool the pasta completely before sealing and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to keep it moist and creamy. Stir occasionally until heated through and the cheese is melty again.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for holding the sauce, penne, ziti, or even fusilli would work beautifully in this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a fantastic meal prep option because it reheats well and the flavors only get better after sitting overnight.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Definitely. Turkey breast or even plant-based chicken alternatives can be used if you want to switch things up while keeping the same great flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
This version is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to introduce some heat if desired.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety and double-check that your pasta sauce is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe has the power to turn any ordinary weeknight into a warm and memorable feast. Its combination of hearty chicken, rich cheese, and flavorful sauce is pure comfort in a pot. Give it a go—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make and how quickly it becomes a family favorite!
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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This one-pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a flavorful and comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, rigatoni pasta, savory tomato sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe ensures minimal cleanup while delivering rich and hearty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Salt & pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
Pasta and Liquids
- 16 ounces dried rigatoni pasta
- 24 ounce jar Ragu Old World Traditional Pasta Sauce
- 24 ounce chicken stock
Cheese and Garnish
- 1½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and add diced chicken. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic salt over the chicken. Stir well and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely minced onion and garlic paste to the pot with the chicken. Stir to combine and let cook for 5-7 minutes, until onions become softened and translucent, enhancing the dish’s flavor base.
- Add Sauce and Pasta: Pour in the jar of pasta sauce and chicken stock. Then add the dried rigatoni pasta. Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 12-14 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to make the mixture creamy. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the pot again and let the cheeses melt thoroughly for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, comforting one-pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta meal!
Notes
- This dish can be prepared in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Use chicken stock for enriched flavor; vegetable stock could be substituted for a lighter version.
- Feel free to substitute rigatoni with penne or rigate pasta shapes if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning and cheese quantities according to taste and dietary preferences.
- Ensure the pasta is submerged in liquid during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
