Quick & Heavenly One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Whipping up a delectable one-pot chicken parmesan pasta means transforming a weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure.

Cheese, herbs, and tender chicken mingle in a single skillet, creating magic without complicated cleanup.

Comfort food meets convenience in this streamlined dish that saves time and satisfies hunger.

Simplicity doesn’t compromise flavor – each bite bursts with classic Italian-inspired goodness.

Home cooks can master this recipe effortlessly, even with limited kitchen skills.

Layers of melted mozzarella and crispy chicken combine perfectly, promising a meal everyone will devour.

You’ll want to dive right into this irresistible pasta that brings restaurant-quality taste directly to your table.

Why One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Makes Dinner Simple

• Savor One-Pan Convenience: Skip the multiple cookware hassle with this single-skillet meal that combines protein, pasta, and cheese in one delightful preparation.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn easy searing, sautéing, and simmering methods that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner without advanced culinary skills.
• Enjoy Customizable Comfort Food: Adapt the recipe by swapping chicken with ground beef, turkey, or keeping it vegetarian with added vegetables, making it versatile for different taste preferences.
• Create Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Deliver a cheesy, hearty dish that appeals to both kids and adults, promising clean plates and satisfied smiles around the dinner table.

Ingredients Needed For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and versatile protein that provides a tender and juicy base for this one-pan meal.

• Penne Pasta: A classic tube-shaped pasta that perfectly captures and holds the creamy sauce.

• Chicken Broth, Marinara Sauce: Create a rich, flavorful liquid foundation that helps cook the pasta and infuse deep taste throughout the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Add creamy richness and a golden melted topping that brings luxurious texture and savory depth.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Provide essential seasoning that enhances the chicken's flavor profile with aromatic herbs and classic spices.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and fragrant base that elevates the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Offer a bright, fresh finish that adds a burst of herbal freshness to the completed dish.

• Olive Oil: Serves as a healthy cooking medium that helps sear the chicken and prevent sticking.

Easy Instructions For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano to create a flavor-packed foundation for your dish.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and are nearly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a warm plate, preserving those delicious pan drippings.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté quickly, releasing its aromatic essence without letting it brown, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and marinara sauce. Stir to combine and scrape up the caramelized bits from the bottom of the skillet, unlocking deep, rich flavors.

Step 5: Cook Pasta Directly in the Sauce

Add uncooked penne pasta into the liquid mixture. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Simmer and Stir

Cover and cook pasta for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Reunite Chicken and Pasta

When pasta is nearly al dente, return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet.

Step 8: Create Cheesy Magic

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Cover and let cheese melt completely, creating a luxurious, creamy blanket over the dish.

Step 9: Final Touch and Serve

Remove from heat and scatter freshly torn basil leaves on top. Let the dish rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Culinary Masterpiece

Serve hot, with each bite promising a perfect combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and melted cheese.

Tips To Improve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Boost Chicken Seasoning: Generously coat chicken pieces with a robust blend of herbs and spices to ensure deep, layered flavor in every bite.
• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir pasta occasionally during cooking and use a wide skillet to allow even heat distribution and prevent clumping.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting and sprinkle evenly to create a uniform, golden-brown cheese layer.
• Enhance Sauce Depth: Scrape caramelized bits from the skillet when adding broth to incorporate rich, concentrated flavor into the sauce.
• Rest for Flavor Fusion: Let the dish sit briefly after cooking to allow sauce to thicken and ingredients to meld for a more cohesive taste experience.

Yummy Flavor Ideas For One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein cubes, seasoned identically and seared for golden crispness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, maintaining similar cooking techniques and cheese topping.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes, swap marinara for arrabbiata sauce, and incorporate kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flavor profile.

What To Serve With One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: A robust Chianti or Sangiovese complements the rich, savory chicken and tomato sauce, cutting through the creamy cheese with its tannic structure.
• Enhance with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a crisp, peppery side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's hearty, cheesy flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve crusty, herb-infused garlic bread to soak up the delicious pan sauce and add a crunchy texture that elevates the entire meal experience.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Add a colorful mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to introduce additional nutrients and a caramelized sweetness that harmonizes with the pasta's richness.

How To Store One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta The Easy Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, ensuring it's tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth or marinara to restore moisture, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Questions Answered

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or shells. Just ensure cooking times remain similar for best results.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe is not inherently spicy. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during seasoning.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is certified gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce cheese quantity, choose low-sodium chicken broth, and opt for lean chicken breast to create a more nutritious version.

Time-Saving One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this one-pot chicken parmesan pasta, where creamy marinara sauce and melted cheese embrace tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles. Weeknight dinners never tasted so good, promising a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season thoroughly with salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear chicken pieces until golden brown and nearly cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, keeping warm while maintaining the flavorful pan drippings.
4. In the same skillet, mince garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
5. Pour chicken broth and marinara sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine and scrape up any caramelized bits from the bottom.
6. Add uncooked penne pasta directly into the liquid mixture, ensuring it’s mostly submerged, and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Cover and cook pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
8. Once pasta is nearly al dente, reintroduce the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet.
9. Sprinkle grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, creating a melty, golden blanket.
10. Cover and let cheese melt completely, about 2-3 minutes, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
11. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly torn basil leaves for a burst of herbaceous freshness.
12. Allow the dish to rest for 3-4 minutes before serving, letting flavors meld and sauce thicken slightly.

Notes

• Opt for chicken thighs as a juicier alternative that holds moisture better during one-pot cooking.
• Customize spice levels by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat and complexity.
• Gluten-free version works perfectly by substituting regular penne with gluten-free pasta varieties.
• Consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to reduce overall cooking time and simplify preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg