If you’re on the hunt for a comforting dish that combines the best of Italian flavors with the ease of minimal cleanup, this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender chunks of seasoned chicken simmered with savory marinara and perfectly cooked pasta, all melded together with luscious melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a hearty, delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate while saving you time in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, kitchen-friendly ingredients that combine effortlessly to create rich flavors and a satisfying texture. Each component plays a unique role, from juicy chicken pieces adding protein to gooey cheeses providing that irresistible creamy finish.
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Choose fresh chicken to ensure tender, juicy bites throughout the pasta.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant blend of herbs that truly capture the essence of Italian cooking.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances depth without overpowering the dish with fresh garlic.
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced: Brings a mild sweetness and aromatic base to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that classic pungent kick essential in Italian cuisine.
- 16 oz dried short-cut pasta (e.g., rigatoni): Holds sauce beautifully and cooks perfectly in one pot.
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce: Use a quality marinara for rich tomato flavor and robust spice.
- Water to fill empty marinara jar: Helps cook the pasta in the same pot without extra measuring.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts into gooey, stringy goodness for that classic Parmesan pasta feel.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds salty, umami sparkle that elevates the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to balance and enhance flavors.
- Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional: Sprinkle on top for an extra herbal punch.
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced: A burst of color and brightness as garnish.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken and generously season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook until the chicken is mostly done—about five minutes—allowing it to develop a golden sear. Once ready, remove the chicken and set it aside while you prep the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Using the same pot, add your minced onion and garlic. Sauté for two to three minutes until the onions turn translucent and the garlic fills the air with that irresistible aroma. Doing this in the same pot captures every bit of flavor leftover from the chicken.
Step 3: Add Marinara Sauce and Water
Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the pot, then fill the empty jar with water and add that as well. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. This watery tomato base will cook the pasta while concentrating all those tomatoey, herbaceous flavors into every bite.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta, Simmer
Return the chicken to the pot and add your dried pasta. Stir well so that the noodles are fully submerged and coated with sauce. Cover the pot and let it simmer on medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the pasta to soak up the sauce while the chicken finishes cooking perfectly tender.
Step 5: Stir in Cheeses for Creaminess
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and about a quarter cup of the shredded mozzarella. This step creates a silky, cheesy sauce that clings to every noodle and chunk of chicken.
Step 6: Melt Remaining Mozzarella
Sprinkle the leftover mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta, then cover the pot again. Let it cook for another two to three minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, irresistible layer that’s every bit as good as your favorite chicken Parmesan dish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, scatter fresh minced parsley or basil over the top for a pop of vibrant color and fresh herbal notes. Serve the pasta hot, straight from the pot, for a comforting, satisfying meal that gets everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil brighten the rich, cheesy dish and lift the overall flavor. You can also add a pinch of extra grated Parmesan and a drizzle of good olive oil to make your presentation pop and add subtle layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This meal is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. For garlic lovers, a side of warm garlic bread is pure bliss and complements the tomato sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual rustic bowls with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat. You can also offer lemon wedges to allow guests to add a fresh citrus zing, cutting through the richness beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, making it an excellent option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to keep portions ready for later. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’s best eaten within two months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is a great choice for holding the sauce, other short-cut pastas like penne, rotini, or even farfalle work beautifully. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they can vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken and consider adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini instead. You can also incorporate plant-based meat substitutes to keep the protein element.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep some ingredients in advance, like dicing chicken or shredding cheese, but it’s best enjoyed fresh as the pasta absorbs sauce over time which might change the texture.
What if I don’t have an entire jar of marinara sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with homemade tomato sauce or a combination of canned crushed tomatoes with herbs. Just keep the water amount consistent for proper pasta cooking.
How spicy is this pasta, and can I adjust it?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly by default. If you love spice, add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or sprinkle them on top before serving to kick up the heat!
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is a brilliant way to enjoy classic Italian flavors without fuss and mess. It’s vibrant, cheesy, and downright comforting in every bite. I encourage you to try it soon—it could very well become your favorite no-fuss weeknight dinner that satisfies everyone at the table.
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and easy Italian-American dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken, savory marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all prepared in a single pot. This recipe saves time on cleanup while delivering a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful meal topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, finished with fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 16 oz dried short-cut pasta (e.g., rigatoni)
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce (e.g., Newman’s Own)
- Water to fill the empty marinara sauce jar
Cheeses
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish
- Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, 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 until the chicken is mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add Sauce and Water: Pour in the marinara sauce. Then fill the empty jar with water and add it to the pot to use the jar as a measuring tool. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook Pasta with Chicken: Add the partially cooked chicken back to the pot along with the dried pasta. Stir everything to combine, cover the pot, and cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is cooked through and has absorbed the sauce flavors.
- Mix in Cheeses: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses melt into the sauce, making it creamy.
- Top and Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, cover, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly minced parsley or basil and add a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning if desired. Serve the pasta hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use any short-cut pasta like penne or rigatoni that cooks well with this method.
- Adjust the water quantity slightly if needed to ensure the pasta is fully covered while cooking.
- To save time, shredded rotisserie chicken can be used instead of raw chicken; add it in Step 4 without precooking.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken or sauce.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley elevate the dish with a fresh green flavor.
- Ensure you stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the pot.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
