One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Looking for a quick, comforting, and family-approved dinner that doesn’t leave your kitchen a mess? This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta has everything you love about classic Chicken Parmesan — crispy chicken flavor, savory tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese — all combined into one delicious, easy-to-make pasta dish.

It’s the perfect weeknight meal: hearty, cheesy, flavorful, and done in about 30 minutes. No breading, no frying, and (best of all) no pile of dirty dishes!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🍝 One pot = no mess! Everything cooks in a single pot for easy cleanup.
🍗 All the flavor of Chicken Parmesan without the extra work.
🧀 Cheesy & comforting: Melted mozzarella and Parmesan make every bite irresistible.
⏱️ 30-minute meal: Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
🍅 Customizable: Add veggies, spice, or different pasta shapes to make it your own.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sauce & Pasta

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Cheese Topping

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, and cook until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides — about 4–5 minutes. (It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.)

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

---

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

Add the uncooked pasta and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine everything evenly.

---

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

---

Step 4: Add the Chicken Back

Once the pasta is nearly done, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir well and simmer uncovered for another 2–3 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through and coated in sauce.

---

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

If you prefer a golden top, you can transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned.

---

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy, one-pot masterpiece!

---

Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Pasta

🍗 Use the right pan: A deep skillet or Dutch oven works best for even cooking.
🧀 Choose quality cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan melt better and taste richer.
🍅 Use good marinara: A flavorful tomato sauce makes all the difference.
🌿 Add greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrition.
🔥 Make it spicy: Add extra crushed red pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a kick.

---

Delicious Variations

🍆 Eggplant Parmesan Pasta: Replace chicken with roasted eggplant slices for a vegetarian twist.
🥩 Chicken Sausage Version: Use Italian chicken sausage for extra depth of flavor.
🧄 Creamy Alfredo-Parmesan Mix: Replace half the marinara with Alfredo sauce for a rich, creamy version.
🧀 Extra Cheesy: Add ricotta or cream cheese for a more indulgent texture.
🌽 Add veggies: Mix in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for color and nutrition.

---

What to Serve with One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re making a full Italian-style dinner, pair it with:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Caesar salad or garden salad with balsamic dressing
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus
• A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon

---

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

---

Why This Recipe Works

This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta captures everything you love about the traditional Italian classic but simplifies it into one convenient meal. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the rich tomato and seasoning flavors — no separate boiling needed!

The combination of juicy chicken, tangy marinara, and melted cheese creates a dish that’s incredibly comforting yet easy enough for any night of the week.

And since everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is minimal — making this a busy cook’s dream dinner.

---

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

(Values vary based on cheese and sauce used.)

---

Final Thoughts

The One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a weeknight winner that combines comfort, flavor, and convenience all in one skillet. It’s hearty enough to satisfy the whole family, easy enough for beginners, and so delicious you’ll want to add it to your weekly dinner rotation.

Whether you’re craving the flavors of Italy or just want a simple, satisfying pasta dish, this recipe delivers — rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. 🍝🍗🧀

Print