Looking for a cheesy, comforting meal that’s quick to make and easy to clean up? One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the perfect answer! This dish brings together the irresistible flavors of chicken parmesan, but with the added bonus of minimal cooking utensils and a mess-free cleanup. You’ll get everything you love about traditional chicken parmesan—golden chicken, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and parmesan cheese—served over a hearty bed of pasta.
Best of all, it all comes together in just one pot, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner for busy families and anyone craving a quick and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into how to make this dish!
Ingredients for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz dried short-cut pasta (e.g., rigatoni)
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce (e.g., Newman’s Own)
- Water (to fill the empty marinara sauce jar)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional Italian seasoning, optional
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
1. Cook the Chicken
Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken to the pot. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, without cleaning it, add the minced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are soft and fragrant. This step will build a flavorful base for your pasta.
3. Combine Ingredients
Now, add the marinara sauce to the pot. Take the empty jar of marinara sauce, fill it with water, and pour that into the pot as well. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Add the Pasta
Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once the sauce is bubbling, stir in the pasta, making sure it is submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
The pasta should be al dente by the time it’s done, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
5. Return the Chicken
Once the pasta is cooked, add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir to combine and let everything heat through for another 2-3 minutes. This will ensure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
6. Add the Cheese
Now comes the cheesy goodness! Stir in the Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. Once the cheese is fully melted and mixed in, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Cover the pot and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the mozzarella to melt and form a creamy, cheesy topping.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once the mozzarella is melted, remove the pot from the heat. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately while it’s hot and gooey.
Tips for Success
- For a rich flavor, use a high-quality marinara sauce or even homemade marinara if you have the time.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Since pasta continues to cook in the sauce even after you remove it from the heat, be sure to test it for doneness before it becomes too soft.
- Add more cheese: For an extra cheesy meal, feel free to stir in more mozzarella or even some ricotta cheese for added creaminess.
- Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a kick of heat.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in other types of pasta such as penne, farfalle, or fusilli.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them fully before cooking. You can also use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water if it looks too thick.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing and reheating. Store it in an airtight container and enjoy it within 1-2 months.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta. You can also double-check the marinara sauce for any hidden gluten.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when sautéing the onion and garlic for extra flavor and nutrients.
Conclusion
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution—cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor. With minimal prep, one-pot cooking, and a mouthwatering combination of chicken, marinara, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, but special enough for any occasion when you want to enjoy a satisfying homemade meal.
Serve it up, enjoy the smiles at the dinner table, and revel in the simplicity of a dish that delivers on taste without the hassle!