If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that doesn’t require a million pots and pans, this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with Italian flavors, every forkful delivers juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that classic parmesan tang all mingled in one satisfying dish. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—easy to make, delightfully flavorful, and sure to become a weekly staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that come together effortlessly to create big, bold flavors. Each ingredient is chosen to add layers of taste, texture, and color, ensuring every bite is balanced and delicious.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and a tender bite every time.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a savory base to sauté and brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish’s sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that unmistakable aromatic punch that elevates Italian dishes.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean herbs.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a gentle, warming spice in every bite.
- 12 oz uncooked penne pasta: Perfect shape for holding onto the sauce and cheese.
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the pasta moist and infuses it with subtle savory notes.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Rich and tangy, it forms the heart of the sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, creamy goodness that makes the dish irresistible.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor for that authentic chicken parmesan finish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. This step locks in the juices, building a flavorful foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic with the chicken. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent. The garlic will release its aroma, infusing everything with that classic Italian scent that makes your kitchen instantly inviting.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well so that the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with the herbs and spices, ensuring every bite bursts with familiar, comforting flavors.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Liquids
Pour in the uncooked penne pasta, followed by the chicken broth and marinara sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients. Bringing the mixture to a boil allows the pasta to start soaking up the flavors while cooking evenly right in the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer Until Perfect
Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the pasta simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb the liquid and the chicken will cook through, transforming the sauce into a rich, velvety coating that clings to each piece of penne.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheeses
Once the pasta is tender and the chicken cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and gooey. This step is where the dish truly becomes indulgent, delivering that signature cheesy goodness you crave.
Step 7: Add Fresh Herbs and Serve
Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a fresh, colorful touch that complements the rich flavors beautifully, adding a hint of brightness before you dig in.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are the perfect finishing touch, adding a vibrant aroma and a burst of green that contrasts nicely with the rich reds and creamy cheeses. For a little extra indulgence and crunch, toasted breadcrumbs sprinkled on top create a delightful texture contrast that makes this dish stand out.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple to let this dish shine. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus complements the richness of the pasta well without overwhelming your palate. Garlic bread is always a welcome addition for anyone wanting to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta directly from the pot for a cozy family-style meal, or plate it with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy look. You can even portion into individual ramekins and broil briefly to give it a bubbly, golden cheese crust—a fun twist that makes each serving feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe keeps really well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just pop it into an airtight container and it will be ready for a quick reheat, making weeknight dinners easy and stress-free.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it looks dry. You can also microwave individual portions covered loosely to keep the moisture in, making your leftovers just as comforting as the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works perfectly here because of its shape that catches sauce well, you can switch it up with rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the regular penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The cooking time and liquid ratios remain the same, so you won’t miss out on any of the flavor or texture.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just add the shredded chicken after the pasta is cooked instead of cooking raw chicken at the start. This makes it even faster without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mild and kid-friendly as written, but if you like a little heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes during the seasoning step or serve with a spicy chili oil on the side for those who want an extra kick.
What can I do to make the dish more creamy?
If you love ultra-creamy pasta, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half right after you add the cheese. It creates a silky sauce that elevates the comfort factor even more.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is the ultimate weeknight winner: quick, delicious, and packed with all the flavors you love from your favorite Italian dishes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you crave something homemade but don’t want to clean a mountain of dishes afterward. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again for friends and family who will thank you for bringing such a scrumptious, fuss-free meal to the table.
Print
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
A comforting and delicious one-pot chicken Parmesan pasta that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner. Tender bites of chicken cooked with savory marinara and pasta, all simmered together to meld the flavors before being topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. An Italian-American classic made simple in one pot.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add seasonings: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Add pasta and liquids: Pour in the uncooked penne pasta, chicken broth, and marinara sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer until cooked: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the chicken is completely cooked through.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm for a hearty and cheesy meal.
Notes
- For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the dish before serving.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time; add it after the pasta has cooked.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
