The Coziest One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Dinner

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful one-pot chicken parmesan pasta that simplifies your weeknight cooking adventure.

Melted cheese blankets tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles in a single skillet.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Juicy chicken pieces nestle among al dente pasta, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Italian-inspired ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Each forkful brings rich, savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, making dinner both delicious and stress-free.

Grab a fork and prepare to be amazed by this game-changing pasta creation!

Why One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Is A Family Favorite

• Speed Up Dinner Magic: Craft a delicious one-pan meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy feast without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap out ingredients like protein, pasta type, or seasonings to match your family's taste preferences and pantry staples.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a hearty, cheesy dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable for everyone.
• Smart Cooking Strategy: Maximize flavor by using the same skillet for chicken, sauce, and pasta, reducing cleanup and creating layers of delicious pan drippings.

All You Need For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts that form the main protein of the dish.

• Eggs: Helps breadcrumbs stick to chicken for a crispy coating.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy exterior and adds texture to the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of traditional herb flavors to the breading.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall savory profile of the chicken coating.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost the chicken's flavor.

• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth cooking surface and adds subtle flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy base for the pasta dish.
• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that captures sauce in its ridges.

• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, golden topping.
• Fresh Basil: Brings a bright, fresh herb note to the finished dish.

How To Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Step By Step

Step 1: Slice Chicken Into Delicate Cutlets

Carefully slice chicken breasts into thin, uniform pieces that will cook evenly and soak up maximum deliciousness.

Step 2: Prepare Seasoned Dredging Station

Create two separate bowls for coating:

Whisked eggs in one bowl

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 3: Coat Chicken With Flavor

Dip each chicken cutlet first into beaten eggs, then thoroughly coat with seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help coating stick perfectly.

Step 4: Sizzle Chicken To Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and ready for cooking (about 2-3 minutes).

Step 5: Cook Chicken Until Crispy

Carefully place breaded chicken cutlets into hot skillet. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown and internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 6: Create Flavorful Sauce Base

Remove chicken and set aside. Keep those delicious browned bits in the pan.

Sauté Aromatic Garlic

In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until wonderfully fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7: Build Delicious Sauce

Pour marinara sauce into skillet, stirring to blend with pan drippings for extra depth of flavor.

Step 8: Cook Pasta Directly In Sauce

Add penne pasta directly into sauce, stirring to ensure complete coating and even cooking.

Step 9: Simmer To Perfection

Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta becomes tender and sauce slightly thickens.

Step 10: Add Sliced Chicken

Slice cooked chicken into strips and nestle them gently into the pasta.

Step 11: Melt Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top, completely covering pasta and chicken.

Step 12: Create Bubbly Cheese Finish

Cover skillet and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until smooth and irresistibly bubbly.

Step 13: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top and serve piping hot directly from the skillet.

Helpful Tips For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Slice Evenly: Use a sharp knife to cut chicken breasts into uniform thickness, guaranteeing consistent cooking and better seasoning absorption.
• Control Breading Technique: Press breadcrumbs gently onto chicken, ensuring complete coverage without creating thick, heavy layers that might become soggy.
• Manage Oil Temperature: Watch skillet heat carefully, aiming for medium-high with shimmering oil to achieve golden-brown crust without burning breading.
• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Stir pasta occasionally during simmering and check tenderness to avoid mushy texture, keeping sauce slightly loose for perfect consistency.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Sprinkle cheeses evenly across dish, allowing complete melting and creating beautiful golden-brown surface that enhances overall flavor profile.

Creative Takes On One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Gluten-Free Chicken Pasta: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko, ensuring crispy coating for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Arrabbiata Version: Add red pepper flakes to marinara sauce and use pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick that transforms the classic dish.
• Mediterranean-Style Variation: Swap marinara for roasted red pepper sauce, incorporate feta cheese, and sprinkle oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Lighter Baked Alternative: Skip pan-frying and bake chicken cutlets on a wire rack at 425°F, reducing oil while maintaining crispy texture and reducing overall calories.

What Goes Great With One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine cuts through the richness of the cheesy chicken pasta, balancing its creamy texture with bright, citrusy notes.
• Complement with Fresh Arugula Salad: Peppery greens tossed in light lemon vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, warm chicken pasta dish.
• Match with Garlic Focaccia Bread: Crusty, herb-infused bread serves as the perfect vehicle for soaking up extra marinara sauce and adds delightful textural crunch.
• Serve with Sparkling Water with Lemon: Crisp, effervescent drink cleanses the palate between bites, highlighting the dish's robust Italian-inspired flavors.

Storage Guide For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Store leftover chicken pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate chicken and pasta if possible to maintain better texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with damp paper towel, heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of marinara or water to restore moisture. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated through, preventing sauce from scorching.

Common Questions About One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Why should I dip chicken in eggs before breading?

The egg creates a sticky surface that helps breadcrumbs adhere perfectly, ensuring a crispy, even coating that locks in moisture and flavor.

• How do I know if my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs with panko for extra crispiness or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a dietary alternative.

• What's the best way to prevent breadcrumbs from falling off during cooking?

Press breadcrumbs gently but firmly onto the chicken, ensuring complete coverage and creating a strong adherence before frying.

Easy-Peasy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this one-pot chicken parmesan pasta, blending classic Italian flavors with easy preparation. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a single skillet, making dinner delightfully simple for busy home cooks.

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Ingredients

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main ingredients:

• 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 16 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce

protein:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs

seasonings and extras:

• 2 tsp italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into thin, uniform cutlets, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
2. Create a dredging station by whisking eggs in one bowl, mixing breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in another.
3. Dip each chicken cutlet into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Carefully place breaded chicken cutlets into hot skillet, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove chicken and set aside, leaving flavorful browned bits in the pan.
7. In same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
8. Pour marinara sauce into skillet, stirring to incorporate any remaining pan drippings.
9. Add penne pasta directly into sauce, stirring to coat and ensure even cooking.
10. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, occasionally stirring, until pasta is tender and sauce is slightly thickened.
11. Slice cooked chicken into strips and nestle into pasta.
12. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top, covering pasta and chicken.
13. Cover skillet and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and bubbly.
14. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

• Slice chicken uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Create a crispy coating by pressing breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken, ensuring maximum crunch and even breading coverage.
• Keep oil temperature consistent while frying chicken to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches safe internal temperature, preventing foodborne illness risks.
• Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta for celiac or gluten-sensitive diners without compromising taste or texture.
• Select low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess liquid and maintain sauce’s perfect consistency during final cheese melting stage.
• Experiment with different protein options like turkey cutlets or plant-based alternatives for varied dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 569
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 634 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 162 mg