Irresistible One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Crafting a delectable one-pot chicken parmesan pasta feels like culinary magic happening right in your kitchen.

Simple ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors.

Comfort meets convenience with this streamlined approach to a classic Italian-American favorite.

Melted cheese blankets tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, promising a meal that satisfies deeply.

Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying every delicious bite with those you love.

Pots and pans can rest easy while you whip up this effortless dinner.

Ready to experience a hassle-free feast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds?

FAQs About One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• What ingredients are essential for this chicken pasta recipe?

Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, chicken breasts, olive oil, marinara sauce, penne pasta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese are key ingredients for creating this flavorful dish.

• How do I ensure my chicken is cooked perfectly?

Cook chicken strips for 3-4 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which guarantees safe and juicy meat without drying out.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

While penne works best, you can substitute with similar short pasta like rigatoni or ziti that will hold sauce well and provide a similar texture.

Why One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Is So Easy And Tasty

• Savor Speedy Satisfaction: One-pan chicken pasta delivers a complete meal without multiple pots and complicated cleanup, making dinner preparation incredibly streamlined.
• Master Flavor-Packed Performance: Generously seasoned chicken and strategic cooking techniques guarantee maximum taste in every single bite, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping marinara for different sauces, adding vegetables, or experimenting with cheese varieties to match your family's unique taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This dish appeals to all ages, combining familiar ingredients like pasta and chicken with a gourmet touch that satisfies both picky eaters and culinary enthusiasts.

What You Need For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that provides protein and serves as the main protein source in the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Cheeses that add creamy texture and rich, savory flavor to the pasta.

• Penne Pasta: Tubular pasta that holds sauce well and provides the hearty foundation of the meal.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that adds tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Spice blend that creates a robust and flavorful coating for the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps with searing chicken and prevents sticking.
• Minced Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and intensity to the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Herb that provides a bright, fresh garnish and adds herbaceous notes.
• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient that increases richness and creates a creamier sauce.
• Water: Liquid used to help cook the pasta and create the perfect sauce consistency.

How To Cook One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Slice and Season Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into thin, uniform strips to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Mix Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Thoroughly coat chicken strips with the seasoning blend, massaging spices into the meat.

Step 2: Prepare Skillet and Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering hot. Carefully place seasoned chicken strips into the skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Create Pasta Base

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden. Add penne pasta and marinara sauce, stirring to coat pasta evenly and prevent sticking. Pour in enough water to cover pasta, then simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 4: Combine and Cheese It Up

Return cooked chicken to the skillet, gently folding into the pasta mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top, creating a melty, luxurious layer. Cover skillet and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until perfectly gooey and slightly bubbling.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Optional: Drizzle heavy cream for added richness and creaminess. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a burst of bright, herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately, ensuring each portion has a generous mix of pasta, chicken, and melted cheese.

Pro Tips For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Success

• Slice with Precision: Cut chicken breasts uniformly to guarantee even cooking and maximum flavor absorption throughout the dish.
• Spice Massage Technique: Thoroughly rub seasoning blend into chicken strips, ensuring deep flavor penetration and rich taste in every bite.
• Skillet Searing Secrets: Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust on chicken strips.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Allow cheese to melt slowly by covering the skillet, creating a gooey, luxurious topping that binds the entire dish together.
• Fresh Finish Flourish: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves just before serving to add a bright, herbaceous note that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Tasty Variations For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Spicy Chili Chicken Pasta: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cayenne, and smoked paprika for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Swap marinara sauce with Greek yogurt, add oregano, dill, and swap mozzarella for feta cheese.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of penne, ensuring same cooking method with reduced carbohydrates.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, maintaining identical seasoning and cooking techniques for plant-based protein.

Great Sides With One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, cheesy pasta and complement the herb-seasoned chicken.
• Create Garlic Bread Sidekick: Whip up a quick garlic bread with toasted Italian bread, butter, and sprinkled parmesan to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and add textural contrast.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved parmesan, and cracked black pepper to balance the hearty pasta dish and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Enhance with Sparkling Water: Serve chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites and help digest the creamy, cheesy chicken pasta.

How To Store One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Properly

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining taste quality.
• Transfer cooled chicken pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 2-3 months for best texture and flavor preservation.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of water or chicken broth to prevent sticking.

Speedy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this one-pot chicken parmesan pasta, blending Italian classics with convenient cooking. Rich marinara sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into thin, uniform strips, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
2. Combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a robust seasoning blend.
3. Generously coat chicken strips with the prepared seasoning mix, massaging spices into the meat for deep flavor penetration.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot, creating an ideal searing environment.
5. Carefully place seasoned chicken strips into the skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust without overcrowding.
6. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until thoroughly cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a plate.
7. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, releasing its aromatic essence.
8. Add penne pasta and marinara sauce, stirring to coat pasta evenly and prevent sticking.
9. Pour in enough water to cover pasta, then simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
10. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, gently folding into the pasta mixture.
11. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top, creating a melty, luxurious layer.
12. Cover skillet and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until perfectly gooey and slightly bubbling.
13. Optional: Drizzle heavy cream for added richness and creaminess.
14. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, adding a burst of bright, herbaceous flavor.
15. Serve immediately, ensuring each portion has a generous mix of pasta, chicken, and melted cheese.

Notes

• Slice chicken uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and flavor absorption throughout the dish.
• Create a customized spice blend by adjusting seasoning ratios to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Consider using gluten-free pasta or cauliflower pasta for low-carb and celiac-friendly variations.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or almond milk for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg