If you’re craving a comforting dish that brings together the hearty flavors of Italian cooking with the convenience of a single pot, then this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender pieces of seasoned chicken mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, all bathed in a rich marinara sauce and topped with a dreamy layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a surefire way to satisfy your hunger and your heart, all with minimal cleanup. Let me walk you through making this delicious, fuss-free meal that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but bring so much to the table in flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays a vital role in transforming humble components into a delicious, cheesy pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Tender, lean protein that absorbs all the wonderful Italian seasoning and sauce flavors.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds authentic Mediterranean herb notes.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced: Adds sweetness and a lovely soft texture when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 16 oz dried short-cut pasta (like rigatoni): Holds onto the sauce beautifully, so every bite is coated in flavor.
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce: The heart of the dish, rich and tangy tomato goodness.
- Water to fill the empty marinara sauce jar: Used to thin the sauce perfectly for cooking the pasta in one pot.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, giving that classic chicken parmesan cheesiness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors perfectly.
- Additional dried Italian seasoning (optional): For sprinkling on top if you want an extra hit of herbs.
- Fresh parsley or basil, minced for garnish: A fresh pop of color and flavor that brightens the final presentation.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced chicken breast and season it with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken until it’s mostly done, about 5 minutes, making sure it develops that slight golden crust. Then, remove it from the pot and set it aside to keep it juicy and tender for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Using the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic. The leftover chicken flavors in the pan will mingle beautifully with the onion and garlic as they cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Cook just until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing that sweet aroma that signals you’re on the right delicious track.
Step 3: Add Marinara Sauce and Water
Pour in your marinara sauce, then use the empty sauce jar to add the same amount of water to the pot. This clever trick gives the pasta the perfect amount of liquid to cook in without sticking or drying out. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down to a strong simmer to gently marry the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the dried pasta. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce and chicken. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking and to judge doneness. This step is where all the flavors get cozy and the pasta softens to perfect bite.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly so that the cheese melts into the sauce, creating that irresistible creamy texture.
Step 6: Top with Mozzarella
Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the pot for a few minutes as the residual heat melts the cheese into ooey-gooey perfection that makes this dish feel like a cozy Italian feast at home.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
If you like, add a pinch more Italian seasoning for extra herbal notes. Then finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. Serve it piping hot for a meal that feels both effortless and indulgent. You’ve just created a beautiful One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil and parsley add a bright pop of color and freshness against the rich, cheesy pasta. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese on top can add a sharp, salty lift. If you want a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes brings a subtle kick to this comforting dish.
Side Dishes
Keep the sides simple to let the pasta shine. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is ideal for mopping up every last delicious drop of sauce. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus make a great light and healthy sidekick.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in rustic bowls for a cozy, homestyle vibe, or plate it elegantly with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the flavors. You could even bake the pasta briefly after topping with mozzarella for a bubbly, slightly browned crust that adds a new texture dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify as they sit, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir occasionally until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While short-cut pastas like rigatoni or penne work best because they hold the sauce well, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Just keep in mind the cooking time might vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant to keep it hearty and delicious. The combination of cheeses and marinara sauce still makes it very satisfying.
Can I prepare this recipe without fresh garlic and onion?
Fresh garlic and onion add a lovely aroma and base flavor, but in a pinch, you can use garlic and onion powder instead. Just reduce the amounts accordingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes when you add the marinara sauce or sprinkle on top before serving to give the dish a nice spicy kick without altering the core flavors.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking?
Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks and make sure there’s enough liquid by adding the water measured with the sauce jar. Keeping the pot covered helps the pasta cook evenly and absorb the sauce.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe a try because it’s such a satisfying dish that combines convenience with incredible flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving comfort food for one, it’s a winner every time. Happy cooking, and here’s to many cozy meals ahead!
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines tender, seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich marinara sauce, all topped with a gooey blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a comforting, cheesy meal perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 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
- Additional dried Italian seasoning (optional)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta & 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 & Garnish
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5 minutes until mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- 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 to combine, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing to a strong simmer.
- Add the Chicken and Pasta: Return the chicken to the pot, then add the dried pasta. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Cover the pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness.
- Stir in the Cheese: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until the cheeses melt and incorporate smoothly into the sauce.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve and Garnish: Optionally sprinkle more Italian seasoning on top. Garnish with freshly minced parsley or basil. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy one-pot chicken parmesan pasta!
Notes
- You can substitute rigatoni with other short pasta like penne or rotini.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions.
- Use low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt levels.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk with the cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
