If you love the comforting flavors of Italian classics but need a weeknight meal that comes together with minimal fuss, this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings the crispy, cheesy goodness of chicken Parmesan right into a creamy, saucy pasta dish, all made in a single pot for easy cleanup. The marriage of tender chicken, melty mozzarella, and tangy marinara intertwined with perfectly cooked pasta is nothing short of magical and ready to impress your family or guests any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in layering flavor, texture, and a vibrant look in this dish. The beauty of this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe lies in its balanced use of simple staples that come together in harmony.
- Chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Italian seasoning: Adds that signature herb blend essential for authentic taste.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering.
- Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and a tender texture when sautéed.
- Fresh garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic punch for an irresistible aroma.
- Dried short-cut pasta: Rigatoni or similar shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Marinara sauce: The heart of the dish, offering rich tomato flavor and vibrant color.
- Water: Used to perfectly cook the pasta within the sauce, marrying flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts creamy and stretchy for that classic chicken Parmesan finish.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty notes and depth to the cheesy blend.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten flavors.
- Fresh parsley and/or basil: A fresh herb garnish that lifts the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Season the Chicken
Begin by heating a little olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning liberally with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to infuse the meat with vibrant flavors right from the start. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked and golden on the outside, then remove it and set it aside to keep those beautiful juices.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Using the same pot, add the minced yellow onion and fresh garlic. Let them soften and become translucent over 2 to 3 minutes, creating the perfect aromatic foundation for the sauce. This small step smells amazing and will deepen the overall flavor so much.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Water
Pour in the marinara sauce straight from the jar, then fill the empty jar with water to measure and add it to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture up to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to a simmer. This water addition helps cook the pasta while keeping all the flavors intensified in one pot.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta and Cook
Return the chicken pieces to the pot and add the dried pasta. Stir to combine everything evenly, then cover and let the pasta cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check the pasta’s texture to reach that perfect al dente.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the grated Parmesan and a quarter cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly so the cheeses melt into a creamy, cohesive sauce coating every bite.
Step 6: Top with Remaining Mozzarella
Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top, cover the pot again, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts to that irresistibly gooey, cheesy layer everyone loves.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by scattering fresh parsley or basil over the top to add bursts of color and fresh herbaceous notes. Serve the pasta hot straight from the pot for a satisfying, cheesy feast everyone will rave about.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The final touch of fresh parsley or basil isn’t just for looks — these herbs bring a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top can also add a flavorful punch and a lovely visual contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted vegetables. Crusty bread or garlic bread on the side elevates the meal by giving you something to mop up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to seriously wow your guests, serve this pasta in individual small cast-iron skillets or mini casserole dishes right out of the oven, bubbling and warm. Another idea is to top with a few Parmesan crisps or freshly cracked black pepper for added texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making your next meal just as delightful. Just give it a good stir before reheating to recombine the sauce and cheese evenly.
Freezing
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a covered pan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to bring back moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through and the cheese is melty again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this?
Absolutely! While short-cut pastas like rigatoni are ideal for holding sauce and mixing well, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even shells. Just watch the cooking time as it might differ slightly.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken before adding it to the pasta?
Yes, pre-cooking the chicken ensures it is properly sealed and flavorful before simmering in the sauce. Adding raw chicken directly can result in uneven cooking and a less tender texture.
How spicy is this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning for a gentle kick if you like a bit more heat.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and consider adding vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for heartiness. Use vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.
What’s the best way to get the cheese melted perfectly?
Adding the cheese in two stages—stirring some in first and sprinkling the rest on top to melt—ensures a creamy sauce interior and a beautifully gooey cheesy topping that’s so satisfying.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe as your go-to comfort dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser with minimal cleanup, bursting with familiar flavors, and packed with the cheese pull your heart desires. So grab your pot, gather those simple ingredients, and enjoy the warm, cheesy hug this dish delivers every single time.
Print
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make Italian-inspired meal that combines tender chicken, rigatoni pasta, and rich marinara sauce all cooked together in a single pot. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and garnished with fresh herbs, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup and is packed with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 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
Cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish
- Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its fragrant aroma.
- Add marinara and water: Pour the marinara sauce into the pot. Then fill the empty marinara sauce jar with water and add it to the pot as well. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook pasta and chicken together: Return the chicken to the pot and add the dried pasta. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Melt cheese into the pasta: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined with the sauce and pasta.
- Add remaining mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta in the pot. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted and formed a gooey topping.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil, add additional dried Italian seasoning if desired, and serve hot for a comforting, cheesy meal.
Notes
- Use rigatoni or any short pasta shape for best results; longer pasta like spaghetti will require more stirring and careful cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, especially salt and pepper.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes when sautéing onions and garlic.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if sauce seems too thick.
- Can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for more juicy meat.
