One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, comforting, and ridiculously easy, One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the answer to your cravings. Imagine all the delicious flavors of classic chicken parmesan—crispy chicken, gooey melted cheese, and a rich, tangy marinara sauce—all blended together with pasta for the ultimate one-pot meal. And the best part? You don’t need to dirty a dozen pots and pans to pull this off. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to serve up something tasty without the mess or hassle. It’s all cooked in one pot, and the result is absolutely mouthwatering.

Every bite of this dish feels like a cozy hug, with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and plenty of cheese that pulls apart in the best way possible. It’s a weeknight win you’ll want to make over and over again, and believe me when I say it’s sure to be a family favorite. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

One-Pot Wonder: All the magic happens in a single pot—less mess and easy cleanup. This means more time to enjoy the meal and relax.

Super Flavorful: This dish combines everything you love about chicken parmesan—crunchy chicken, melty cheese, and a rich marinara sauce—with tender pasta that soaks up all the delicious flavors.

Quick and Easy: It’s ready in about 30 minutes! A perfect weeknight dinner that’s fast enough for your busy schedule but still feels like a special treat.

Kid-Friendly: Kids love pasta, and this dish is no exception. With all that cheesy goodness, it’s hard not to get excited about digging in.

Comfort Food at Its Best: It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor—just the kind of dish that feels like a hug on a plate.

Ingredients for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This recipe is made with simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an amazing meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are seasoned and browned to crispy perfection, providing the chicken flavor we all crave in chicken parmesan.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the chicken’s seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory flavors and adds a little sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: The classic herb for Italian-style cooking.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key for that perfect balance.

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work best): The pasta is cooked right in the sauce, absorbing all those yummy flavors.
• 2 cups marinara sauce: A flavorful, tangy base that complements the chicken and pasta.
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Helps cook the pasta and gives the dish a rich flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to cook the chicken and start the base of the sauce.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess to the sauce, making it extra luscious.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The cheese that melts beautifully, making everything gooey and comforting.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that salty, nutty finish that ties the dish together.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Let’s make this one-pot wonder:

1. Season and Cook the Chicken:

• Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper on both sides.
• Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Let it rest before slicing into thin strips.

2. Cook the Pasta:

• In the same pot, add the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
• Add the uncooked pasta to the pot and stir it into the sauce. Make sure the pasta is mostly covered by the sauce. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the pasta cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender and has absorbed most of the sauce.

3. Add the Cream and Cheese:

• Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and thick.

4. Slice the Chicken:

• While the pasta is finishing, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

5. Assemble the Dish:

• Stir the sliced chicken back into the pasta, mixing it evenly with the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the pasta hot, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

(Note: The full instructions, including times and temperatures, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 540
Total Fat: 28g

• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 85mg
  Sodium: 830mg
  Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
  Protein: 37g
  Vitamin A: 12%
  Vitamin C: 4%
  Calcium: 28%
  Iron: 12%

(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.)

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This dish is amazing on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the pasta perfectly.

Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for mopping up that extra sauce!

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus would add a nice balance of flavors and nutrients to this hearty dish.

Fresh Basil or Parsley: A little fresh greenery on top adds color, flavor, and a touch of elegance.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat!
• Use Ground Chicken: If you prefer ground meat, you can substitute ground chicken for the chicken breasts. Brown it in the pot before adding the sauce.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to stir in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the sauce to add more veggies to the dish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the pasta shape.

Q2: Can I use frozen chicken?
A2: It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking. If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, be sure to fully thaw them before cooking.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare the whole dish in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to serve. You may need to add a bit of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce as it thickens when stored.

Q4: Can I freeze this recipe?
A4: Yes, this dish freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q5: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A5: Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce while the pasta is cooking for added flavor and nutrition.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q7: Can I use a different cheese?
A7: Yes, you can use provolone, gouda, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Q8: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A8: Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cheese and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version.

Q9: Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
A9: Definitely! If you have homemade marinara sauce on hand, it will work beautifully in this dish.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger pot to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Conclusion

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a game-changer for quick and delicious weeknight dinners. It’s everything you love about chicken parmesan, but with the convenience of cooking everything in one pot—cheesy, comforting, and just the right amount of indulgent. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. So grab that pot and get cooking—you won’t regret it!

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