Introduction
When I first tried this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe, I was looking for something quick, flavorful, and satisfying for a weeknight dinner. What I didn’t expect was how quickly it would become a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, hearty pasta, savory marinara sauce, and melted cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It’s not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze. My family devoured it in no time, and I loved how everything came together in just one pot, saving me time and effort. The cheesy goodness is balanced with the bold flavors of garlic and Italian seasoning, creating a meal that feels indulgent without being too heavy. Whether you’re serving it to your family, hosting a casual dinner, or looking for a dish to impress your friends, this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot or skillet (like a Dutch oven), add a drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken to the pot and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is mostly cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Add the Sauce and Pasta:
- Pour in the marinara sauce and fill the empty sauce jar with water. Add the water to the pot and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a strong simmer.
Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pot, along with the dried pasta. Stir to combine all the ingredients, then cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
Stir in the Cheese:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and becomes incorporated into the sauce.
Add More Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Cover the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
Garnish and Serve:
- If desired, sprinkle the pasta with additional Italian seasoning. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories per serving: 620 kcal
- Sugar: ~9g
- Sodium: ~900mg
- Fat: ~24g
- Saturated Fat: ~9g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~12g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~75g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~38g
- Cholesterol: ~85mg
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve
- Serve as a main dish: This chicken Parmesan pasta is filling enough to be the star of the meal. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete dinner.
- Top with extra cheese: For a cheesier version, sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan on top just before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Adding freshly chopped parsley or basil not only adds color but also enhances the flavor.
- Pair with a drink: This dish pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, to complement the rich, cheesy flavors.
- Make it a family-style meal: Serve it directly from the pot for a cozy, family-style dinner where everyone can help themselves.
Additional Tips
- Use lean chicken breast: For a healthier version, opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Adjust the sauce: If you like a saucier pasta, add more marinara sauce or a bit of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the pasta continues to cook in the sauce, keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. The pasta should be al dente when done.
- Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them on top before serving.
- Add vegetables: For extra nutrition, stir in vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers along with the chicken.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini for a vegetarian version of this pasta dish.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free. Just ensure the marinara sauce is also gluten-free.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute the pasta with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles for a low-carb option.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier dish, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the sauce mixture.
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken when you cook it for a spicy twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Side salad: A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic bread: A few slices of crispy garlic bread are perfect for sopping up the marinara sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts to balance the richness of the pasta with some freshness.
- Wine pairing: Pair this dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a light white wine like Pinot Grigio for a refreshing contrast.
Freezing and Storage
- Storing leftovers: Store leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake or heat in the microwave.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent the pasta from drying out.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or rotini instead of rigatoni. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. - How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them on top before serving for an extra kick. - Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken in place of the diced chicken breast. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or any cheese that melts well. - How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?
Make sure to stir occasionally while the pasta is cooking and check for doneness to ensure it doesn’t overcook. - Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the dish for added flavor and nutrition. - Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker for 3-4 hours on low. Add the pasta and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free to make this dish gluten-free. - How can I make this recipe lower in fat?
You can use a leaner cut of chicken, reduce the amount of cheese, and use a lower-fat marinara sauce to cut down on fat.
Conclusion
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a satisfying, easy-to-make dish that brings all the comforting flavors of classic chicken Parmesan into a quick, one-pot meal. With tender chicken, hearty pasta, and gooey melted
cheese, this dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep. The best part is that it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with your loved ones. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a casual dinner, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
PrintOne-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines all the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan into a simple, hearty one-pot meal. Tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese come together with pasta for a satisfying and delicious dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a busy weeknight!
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or skillet (like a Dutch oven), add a drizzle of olive oil and heat 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 to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add Marinara Sauce and Water: Pour in the marinara sauce, then fill the empty sauce jar with water and add it to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a strong simmer.
- Add the Chicken and Pasta: Add the chicken back to the pot along with the dried pasta. Stir to combine, then cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
- Stir in the Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the dish. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve and Garnish: If desired, sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot. Enjoy your cheesy, one-pot chicken parmesan pasta!
Notes
- Cheese Options: Feel free to use a blend of cheeses, like provolone or gouda, for added flavor.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little more water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Customize the Seasoning: Adjust the amount of garlic and Italian seasoning based on your flavor preferences.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a mix of vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated for an easy lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg