Speedy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Busy Nights

Whipping up a delightful one-pot chicken parmesan pasta transforms weeknight dinners into effortless culinary adventures.

Weeknight meals demand simple solutions that pack maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Cheesy, comforting layers of tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta create magic in a single skillet.

Italian-inspired comfort arrives quickly without complicated techniques or endless dishes to scrub.

Crispy golden edges of chicken mingle with rich marinara sauce, promising a meal you’ll crave again and again.

Melted mozzarella blankets each bite, ensuring pure satisfaction from first forkful to last.

Jump into this streamlined recipe that makes dinner both delicious and stress-free.

Variations to Shake Up Your Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Vegetarian Zucchini Pasta Bake: Replace chicken with roasted zucchini and eggplant chunks, using vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Version: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free penne or rice pasta, and add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Substitute Italian seasoning with Cajun spice blend, add diced bell peppers, and use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Seafood Marinara Twist: Replace chicken with shrimp or crab meat, use seafood stock instead of water, and sprinkle with fresh dill for a coastal-inspired variation.

What to Pair with Your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Dinner

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich tomato sauce and cheesy pasta, balancing the dish's savory flavors with smooth, fruity undertones.
• Refresh with Crisp Beverages: Opt for a cold Italian-style pilsner or a sparkling white wine like Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy cheese and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty meal.
• Herb-Infused Cocktail Companion: Mix a basil-infused gin cocktail or a classic Negroni to mirror the Italian herbs in the dish, adding a sophisticated and zesty dimension to your dining experience.

Best Storage Tips for Leftover Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and place in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs sauce well. Just ensure cooking times remain similar to the original recipe.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, chickpeas, or extra vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The cooking method remains the same.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes during the cooking process or include a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce for extra heat.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta – Dinner Made Easy

• Simplify Kitchen Chaos: Tackle dinner with a single pot, reducing cleanup and making cooking a breeze for busy home chefs.
• Master Comfort Food Quickly: Combine classic chicken parmesan with pasta in one convenient dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Create a universally loved meal that satisfies both kids and adults, transforming weeknight dinners into delightful family experiences.
• Flexible Ingredient Magic: Customize the recipe by swapping proteins, adjusting cheese quantities, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Creamy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the one-pot pasta dish.

• Dried Pasta: Serves as the hearty base of the one-pot meal.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy tomato foundation for the recipe.
• Water: Helps create the right cooking liquid consistency for the pasta.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a creamy, melty texture and adds richness.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a classic herb blend to elevate the dish's flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a concentrated garlic flavor throughout the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the base of the recipe.
• Garlic: Introduces a pungent, aromatic element to the dish.

• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Basil: Optional herbs that add a bright, fresh finish to the meal.

Step-by-Step to Delicious Chicken Parmesan Pasta in One Pot

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces and coat with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

Cook until the chicken turns golden and is almost fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same pot, drop in the minced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

Pour marinara sauce into the pot. Fill the empty sauce jar with water and pour it in.

Stir everything together and bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Merge Chicken and Pasta

Return the cooked chicken to the pot.

Add the dried pasta and mix thoroughly. Cover and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta becomes tender and absorbs the rich flavors.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Stir in Parmesan cheese and a portion of mozzarella. Mix until the cheese melts completely and blends into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Cook for a few minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden blanket.

Step 7: Garnish and Devour

Optionally, dust with extra Italian seasoning. Scatter fresh parsley or basil on top.

Serve immediately and savor the delicious one-pot wonder.

Insider Tips for Creamy, Perfectly Cooked Pasta Every Time

• Swap dried pasta for gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
• Use low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt intake and create a healthier version of this comforting dish.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra diced chicken or substituting with lean ground turkey for variety.
• Cut cooking time by pre-chopping ingredients and measuring spices before starting the recipe to streamline preparation.
• Create a vegetarian alternative by replacing chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrients.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 23 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory one-pot chicken parmesan pasta brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen, blending cheesy goodness with tender chicken. Homemade magic happens quickly, letting you enjoy restaurant-quality flavors without complex preparation or multiple dishes to clean.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), diced into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings for Protein:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Sauce and Pasta Ingredients:

• 1 medium yellow onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce
• 24 ounces (680 milliliters) water
• 16 ounces (454 grams) dried short-cut pasta (such as rigatoni)

Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, minced
• Fresh basil, minced
• Dried Italian seasoning (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high temperature. Sauté diced chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder for approximately 5 minutes until nearly cooked through. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
2. Using the same pot, sauté minced onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Pour marinara sauce into the pot, then fill the empty sauce jar with water and add to the mixture. Stir thoroughly and bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
4. Return chicken to the pot and add uncooked pasta. Stir to combine ingredients evenly. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring intermittently, until pasta reaches desired tenderness.
5. Incorporate Parmesan and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese into the pasta. Stir until cheese melts completely and blends seamlessly with the sauce.
6. Distribute remaining mozzarella cheese across the top of the pasta. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese becomes fully melted and develops a luxurious, golden appearance.
7. Optional: Sprinkle extra Italian seasoning for enhanced flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for quick and even cooking, ensuring tender meat that absorbs flavors perfectly.
• Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rotini to help capture more sauce and create a more consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Adjust the liquid amount if using different pasta types, as some absorb more water than others during cooking.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is gluten-free certified.
• Create a vegetarian alternative by replacing chicken with plant-based protein like chickpeas, tofu, or mushrooms for a hearty meal.
• Prevent pasta from sticking by stirring occasionally and maintaining a consistent simmer during the cooking process.
• Enhance flavor depth by using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged grated cheese for a more authentic taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 298 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg