If you crave cozy Italian flavors with minimal cleanup, One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta will become your new weeknight hero. This dish weaves tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara, and plenty of gooey cheese into one skillet, delivering everything you love about classic chicken parmesan—without the fuss or the mountain of dishes. There’s a gorgeous blend of flavors in every bite, plenty of comforting cheesiness, and just enough crispy breadcrumbs on top to make it irresistible. It’s as easy as it is impressive, and I’ll bet you’ll find yourself grinning as the aroma fills your kitchen.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list is short but mighty: each component amplifies the savory, saucy, cheesy heart of this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. From the tender bites of chicken to the fresh basil finish, every ingredient pulls its weight for maximum nostalgia and flavor payoff.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken, building flavor right from the start.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these cook quickly and stay juicy.
Italian seasoning: This herby blend gives the dish that classic, rustic Italian vibe.
Garlic powder: Delivers mellow garlic aroma without the fuss of mincing fresh cloves.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
Uncooked penne or rotini pasta: These sturdy shapes soak up every bit of sauce while cooking right in the pot.
Chicken broth: Cooks the pasta and infuses everything with extra savory flavor.
Marinara sauce: Go for your favorite jarred sauce for convenience, or homemade if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and mild, this is what makes every forkful so delightfully gooey.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that unmistakable nutty, salty punch—don’t skip it!
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green livens up the finished dish and makes it pop.
Seasoned breadcrumbs (optional, for topping): Toasted or right from the can, they bring irresistible crunch, just like classic chicken parmesan.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by grabbing your favorite large, deep skillet or Dutch oven—this will be your one-and-done pot for the entire recipe. Pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium. Add the chicken pieces and toss them with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally, and after about 4 to 5 minutes, your chicken will be lightly browned and just barely cooked through. This is where the magic starts: those little browned bits on the bottom of the pan will flavor the whole dish.

Step 2: Simmer with Pasta, Broth, and Sauce

Without missing a beat, scatter the uncooked pasta into the pan, then pour over the chicken broth and marinara sauce. Give everything a good stir to mix (and make sure most of the pasta is tucked under the liquid so it cooks evenly). Bring the whole pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Pop on a lid and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every few minutes to keep anything from sticking, and watch as those pasta shapes soak up all the saucy goodness while the chicken becomes flavorful and tender.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Once the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through, take the pot off the heat. Immediately stir in half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses—watch as they melt and make the sauce irresistibly creamy. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover the pot for a few more minutes to melt it (or slip the whole thing under your broiler for a golden, bubbling crust if you want extra wow factor). The cheese forms a beautiful, melty blanket over the finished One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta.

Step 4: Finish with Toppings

If you’re in the mood for extra crunch (highly recommended!), quickly toast some seasoned breadcrumbs in a little olive oil, then sprinkle them all over the top. Add a handful of fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness. Serve your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta hot, straight from the pan, and don’t be afraid to dive in for seconds!

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

Bringing your dish to life is as simple as a sprinkle! I love to scatter fresh basil or parsley over the top; it’s not just pretty, it adds a burst of fresh flavor that balances all the savory, cheesy goodness. A quick grating of extra Parmesan or a light dash of chili flakes works beautifully too. And if you’re a crunch fan, those toasted breadcrumbs are practically mandatory!

Side Dishes

Since One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a meal in itself, you don’t need much on the side. But crusty garlic bread is always a hit for scooping up any extra sauce, and a crisp green salad with vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast. Steamed green beans or broccoli on the side keep things colorful and wholesome if you want extra veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

Fancy things up by serving the pasta family-style in your prettiest skillet, straight to the table! For a rustic dinner party look, try spooning portions into shallow pasta bowls and topping each with a fresh basil sprig. Or go bistro-style and serve with the golden broiled cheese bubbling on top—just bring the skillet right to the table for some wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta tightly covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better as they mingle, making this a delicious next-day lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

This pasta freezes fairly well in individual portions! Let it cool completely, scoop into freezer-safe containers, and stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a microwave-safe dish or in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or extra marinara to keep things saucy and creamy. If you love that crisp topping, sprinkle fresh breadcrumbs just before serving to keep the crunch alive.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as tasty and often even juicier than breasts in this recipe. Just cut them into small pieces so they cook at the same rate as the pasta.

What pasta shapes work best?

Penne and rotini are favorites for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, since they hold sauce so well and don’t get mushy. Shells or rigatoni would be great swaps too—use whatever shape your family loves!

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs (or simply skip the topping). Adjust the cooking time as some gluten-free pastas soften a bit faster.

Can I add veggies to this dish?

Definitely! Stirring in a few handfuls of spinach, some diced bell peppers, or chopped zucchini just before simmering is a great way to boost flavor and nutrition.

Is this good for meal prep?

Yes, One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta keeps well and reheats beautifully. It’s perfect for meal prepping—just portion it out, refrigerate, and enjoy satisfying, cheesy lunches or dinners all week long!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something cozy, cheesy, and downright crave-worthy, give this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta a try. It’s one of those rare dishes that’s easy enough for any night but feels special enough for a celebration. Go on—grab a skillet and experience just how simple and delicious homemade comfort food can be!

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey cheeses for a comforting meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

12 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
3 cups chicken broth
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, cook chicken with seasoning until lightly browned.
Add Ingredients: Combine pasta, broth, and marinara sauce. Simmer until pasta is tender.
Mix Cheeses: Stir in half of the cheeses until melted. Sprinkle remaining cheeses on top.
Finish and Serve: Cover to melt cheeses, then top with herbs and breadcrumbs. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra crisp topping, toast the breadcrumbs in a pan with olive oil before adding.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated; add a splash of broth or sauce if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
Cuisine: Italian-American