Description
This Ultimate One Pot Chicken Parm Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces, hearty pasta, and a rich tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs. Finished with creamy melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, offering a delicious twist on classic Chicken Parmesan in a convenient and easy-to-make pasta format.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the same pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add broth and start simmering: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add pasta and chicken back: Add the pasta shape of your choice and the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the pasta: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is done and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until they melt into a creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately while warm and cheesy.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for added flavor but increase cooking time accordingly.
- For spicier dishes, increase red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and provides a richer flavor than pre-grated.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten-free if needed.
