One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a delectable one-pot chicken parmesan pasta can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Busy home cooks understand the struggle of preparing delicious meals without creating mountains of dishes.

This streamlined recipe combines classic Italian flavors with incredible convenience for anyone seeking a quick, satisfying meal.

Cheese melts beautifully into tender pasta, while perfectly seasoned chicken adds robust protein to every forkful.

Minimal cleanup means you spend less time scrubbing pots and more time enjoying a comforting dinner.

The magic happens in just one pan, blending traditional parmesan techniques with modern cooking efficiency.

I promise this dish will become your new favorite go-to meal that impresses without overwhelming you in the kitchen.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta That Delivers

  • Conquer this one-pot wonder that transforms dinner into a hassle-free feast without multiple dishes to wash.
  • Whip up a delicious meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving restaurant-quality comfort food without extensive cooking skills.
  • Combine tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and perfectly cooked pasta in a single pot, creating a mouthwatering dish that satisfies everyone's taste buds.
  • Utilize simple ingredients and minimal cooking equipment to craft a restaurant-inspired meal that's wallet-friendly and impressively delicious.

What Goes Into One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that gives the dish heartiness and substance, preferably boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice combination that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor profile.
Pasta Base:
  • Uncooked Pasta: Standard pasta shape that absorbs sauce and creates a complete one-pot meal.
Liquid Components:
  • Chicken Broth, Marinara Sauce: Cooking liquid that helps create sauce and adds rich flavor to the pasta.
Cheese Elements:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy texture and classic Italian cheese flavor, mozzarella offers melty goodness.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds fresh herbal note and bright color to the finished dish.
Fat Component:
  • Olive Oil: Helps with initial chicken cooking and adds subtle Mediterranean flavor.

How to Cook One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
  • Add diced chicken
  • Sprinkle with
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until chicken turns golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Create Pasta Base

  • Use the same pot
  • Pour in
  • Chicken broth
  • Marinara sauce
  • Uncooked pasta

Stir ingredients together thoroughly. Bring mixture to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta reaches al dente texture and liquid thickens.

Step 3: Melt The Cheesy Goodness

  • Return cooked chicken to the pot
  • Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over pasta and mix
  • Top with shredded mozzarella cheese

Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely.

Step 4: Plate And Enjoy

Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately with garlic bread or crisp green salad on the side.

Tips for Chicken Parmesan Pasta That Pops

  • Chicken Browning Trick: Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Pasta Liquid Magic: Use exact measurements of broth to achieve the ideal sauce consistency without becoming too watery or dry.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Let cheese melt naturally with residual heat to prevent overcooking and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Seasoning Boost: Layer flavors by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra Italian seasoning for more depth and complexity.
  • One-Pot Convenience: Clean-up becomes a breeze since everything cooks in a single pot, saving time and reducing dishwashing.

Best Ways to Store One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

  • Store leftover chicken parmesan pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or marinara sauce to restore moisture. Stir gently and heat for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly hot.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop methods.

What to Eat with One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

  • Perfect Pairings
  • Light, zesty white wine cuts through the richness of chicken parmesan pasta, bringing refreshing citrus notes that complement the tomato sauce's acidity.
  • Toasted, crispy garlic bread provides the perfect crunchy texture contrast, soaking up extra sauce and adding a delightful garlicky dimension to each bite.
  • Peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette creates a bright, light counterpoint to the hearty pasta, balancing the dish's rich, cheesy profile with a clean, sharp freshness.
  • Medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese with subtle tannins enhances the pasta's tomato and cheese elements, offering a classic Italian dining experience that deepens the meal's overall flavor complexity.

Mix Things Up with Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free penne or rotini, ensuring the marinara sauce is certified gluten-free. Use tamari instead of traditional salt for seasoning.

Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like cubed tofu, tempeh, or white beans. Select a hearty marinara sauce and add extra Italian seasoning for robust flavor.

Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use grilled chicken breast and reduce marinara quantity to lower carbohydrate content. Increase cheese portion for added richness.

Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Select dairy-free mozzarella alternative made from nuts or soy. Keep remaining recipe ingredients consistent while maintaining similar creamy texture.

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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible one-pot chicken parmesan pasta that brings Italian-inspired magic to your dinner table. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this simple meal delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction straight from your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Pasta and Sauce:

  • 2 cups (200 g) uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 (24 oz/680 g) jar marinara sauce
  • 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth

Seasonings and Cheese:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the protein by searing diced chicken in a spacious pot with olive oil over medium heat. Enhance with aromatic seasonings including garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Sizzle for 5-6 minutes, ensuring golden brown edges and complete internal cooking. Transfer the succulent chicken to a separate plate.
  2. Utilize the same pot to construct the pasta foundation. Pour in chicken broth and marinara sauce, then introduce uncooked pasta. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly. Elevate temperature to achieve a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow pasta to absorb liquid and become tender, stirring intermittently over 12-15 minutes.
  3. Reintroduce the previously cooked chicken into the pasta landscape. Generously shower Parmesan cheese across the surface, folding gently to integrate. Crown the dish with a blanket of shredded mozzarella, creating a molten cheese canopy. Replace lid and allow residual heat to transform cheese into a luxurious, melted layer.
  4. Finalize the culinary creation by optionally adorning with fresh basil leaves. Present piping hot, accompanied by crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete dining experience.

Notes

  • Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s rich flavor profile.
  • Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium chicken broth and marinara sauce, perfect for those monitoring salt intake.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure smooth, quick meal preparation.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and verify marinara sauce ingredients for a celiac-friendly adaptation that doesn’t compromise taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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