If you’re craving a comforting meal that combines all the best flavors of Italian-American cuisine without endless pots and pans, this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is an absolute game changer. Picture tender, juicy chicken pieces mingling with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all bathed in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat — perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a hearty meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and delightful textures. Each component plays a key role, from the savory seasoning on the chicken to the creamy cheese finish that makes every bite irresistible.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken to golden perfection and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and pasta.
- Garlic: Minced for a fragrant punch that brings warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A harmonious blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Italian aroma.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a hint of spice to balance the richness and brighten the flavors.
- Marinara sauce: The heart of the dish, delivering tangy tomato goodness that ties everything together.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the pasta moist and infuses it with savory undertones.
- Uncooked penne pasta: Holds the sauce wonderfully and offers a satisfying bite with every forkful.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, creamy texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Bright green garnish that brings a fresh, herbal note and vibrant color.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nicely browned and almost cooked through. This step locks in flavor and ensures juicy chicken in every bite.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Herbs
Once the chicken has a golden crust, stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and if you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes. Cook for just a minute until the garlic releases its heavenly fragrance, awakening your senses and setting a delicious foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Mix in Sauce and Broth
Pour in the marinara sauce followed by the chicken broth. This combination creates a luscious, deeply flavored base that will cook the pasta and bind the whole dish together. Give it a good stir so everything is evenly mixed and starting to simmer.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Simmer
Now it’s time for the uncooked penne to join the party. Gently stir it into the sauce mixture, making sure the pasta is submerged as much as possible. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid and become perfectly tender.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Melt
When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from heat. Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a creamy, cheesy integration. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover again, and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes. This short rest melts the cheese beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey layer on top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your masterpiece with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of color and bright herbal aroma. Your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is ready to be enjoyed warm and filling with wonderful textures in every forkful.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh herbs like basil or parsley elevates the dish visually and aromatically, bringing a fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta. You can also add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an extra touch of richness.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider serving this pasta alongside a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread is another classic pairing, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a decorative basil leaf on top and a dusting of Parmesan. You can also layer it in individual ramekins and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden cheese crust that’s guaranteed to impress at any dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To preserve the cheese’s texture, consider adding the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This keeps the pasta moist and prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal because it holds the sauce well, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta depending on what you have on hand or prefer.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce will give the dish a nice kick. Just add a little at a time to suit your heat preference.
What’s the best way to add vegetables to this dish?
Chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can be stirred in with the chicken and garlic to add color, nutrients, and texture. Sauté them briefly before adding sauce to keep them tender yet vibrant.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Add it during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through without drying it out, reducing the total cooking time.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe. It’s a soul-satisfying meal that fits right into busy lifestyles without sacrificing flavor or comfort. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Grab your ingredients, get that pot going, and enjoy every cheesy, tomatoey, delightful bite!
Print
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and easy Italian-American skillet dinner that combines tender chicken, flavorful marinara, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all in one pot. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Spices & Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta & Cheese
- 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper and add them to the pan. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and mostly cooked through.
- Add aromatics and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, then add the uncooked penne pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer and cook pasta: Reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Let it cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until well combined.
- Melt remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top, cover again, and let it sit for 2–3 minutes off the heat to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley and serve immediately while warm and cheesy.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken to reduce cook time significantly.
- Add chopped spinach or zucchini during the simmer step for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- If the sauce thickens too much during simmering, add a splash more chicken broth or water to loosen it.
