Let me introduce you to a total game-changer for your weeknight dinner routine: One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. Imagine all the savory, cheesy comfort of classic chicken Parmesan, but with tender pasta and saucy goodness stirred right in—and, best of all, just one pot to clean! This dish is hearty, family-friendly, and so simple to whip up, you’ll want to make it on repeat. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or your hungriest friends, this is the pasta that absolutely never fails to delight.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta counts, pulling its weight to make the dish truly special. You won’t need a laundry list, just a handful of kitchen staples that come together for layers of cozy flavor and melty, cheesy appeal.

Olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base for searing the chicken and building flavor from the start.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and stay juicy, soaking up all the seasonings.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every element and boosting overall flavor.
Garlic (minced): Builds aromatic depth and authentic Italian spirit in every bite.
Italian seasoning: The perfect blend of herbs for easy, instant Italian vibes.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle, pleasant heat—totally adjustable to your taste.
Uncooked penne or rotini pasta: Cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that flavor and making clean-up a breeze.
Marinara sauce: The backbone of the dish, lending tangy tomato richness and tying everything together.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the pasta moist and infuses savory, well-seasoned taste throughout.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy, stretchable bliss that’s oh-so comforting.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch and crucial depth—it’s not Chicken Parmesan without it!
Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Lends a pop of color and fresh, herby brightness right at the end.
Seasoned breadcrumbs (optional for topping): For anyone who craves that classic, crispy crust on top.
Butter (if using breadcrumbs): Makes the breadcrumb topping golden and irresistibly toasty.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

This is where all the flavor-building begins! Heat up your olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook them until they’re beautifully browned on the edges and almost cooked through—about 5 to 6 minutes. You want the chicken tender but not dry, so a little pinkness in the center is totally fine at this stage; it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

Next, toss in your minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a little spicy. As soon as you smell that unmistakable garlicky, herby aroma wafting up, you know magic is happening. Stir everything together for about a minute; this is how you lock in those deep, mouthwatering flavors right at the core of your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta.

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta and Sauce

Pour in your uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, and chicken broth. Give it all a good stir so nothing sticks, then crank up the heat until you get a gentle boil. Once bubbling, lower the heat, cover, and let it all simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir now and then to make sure the pasta cooks evenly and soaks up all the saucy goodness. When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, you’re only a few minutes from cheesy nirvana.

Step 4: Make it Cheesy and Creamy

This is the moment everyone waits for! Stir in your shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. The sauce will instantly get creamier, thicker, and more luxurious. As the cheese melts, threads of gooey goodness weave through every bite. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with a handful of fresh basil or parsley for that last burst of garden-fresh flavor and color.

Step 5: Add a Crispy Topping (Optional)

If you love that iconic Chicken Parmesan crunch, don’t skip this easy step! Melt the butter in a small pan, add the seasoned breadcrumbs, and toast gently until golden and fragrant. Sprinkle the crispy crumbs right over your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta just before serving—they’ll stay crunchy and add an irresistible contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta beneath.

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

You’ve already got a stunner of a dish, but a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a scattering of chopped basil or parsley, or just a twist of fresh black pepper can take your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta truly over the top. These little touches brighten things up and tell your guests you care—plus, who doesn’t love more cheese?

Side Dishes

This is seriously a meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables are lovely companions. Some warm garlic bread on the side is always welcome too, because you’ll want something to mop up the last bits of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party vibe, serve your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta in a big, family-style platter with a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs. You can even scoop it into individual oven-proof bowls, add a little extra cheese, and pop them under the broiler for bubbly, golden tops. Or just dish it up straight from the pot at the table—family dinner magic in action!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta keeps so well in the fridge! Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool slightly before sealing the container so it stays ultra-fresh.

Freezing

If you want to keep your pasta even longer, freeze individual portions (they’re great for easy lunches!) in airtight containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. For the crispiest topping, add fresh breadcrumbs after reheating instead of freezing them on top.

Reheating

To bring your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta back to life, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or a bit more marinara sauce to keep things saucy and luscious. Freshen things up with a sprinkle of cheese and herbs just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Penne or rotini work beautifully, but nearly any short pasta shape will do. Just watch the cooking time, as some noodles might need a touch more or less liquid and time in the pot.

What if I want to make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta vegetarian?

Easy swap! You can use plant-based chicken or add a medley of sautéed mushrooms and zucchini instead. Vegetable broth subs in perfectly for chicken broth too.

Is it OK to use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! Shred or cube your rotisserie chicken and add it with the pasta and sauce, since it doesn’t need extra browning time. It’s a perfect shortcut when you’re in a hurry but still want big, homemade flavor.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

Try using whole wheat pasta, part-skim mozzarella, and reducing the amount of cheese if you prefer. Lean in on the herbs and fresh tomatoes for added brightness and flavor without extra calories.

Is the crispy breadcrumb topping necessary?

Not at all—the One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and totally satisfying without it. But if you love that iconic crunch, the breadcrumbs make it extra special and restaurant-worthy.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been on the hunt for a soul-satisfying, easy dinner that everyone will cheer for, look no further than One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. It’s that rare combo of total comfort, big flavor, and minimal fuss. Give it a try, share it around your own table, and let this dish find a regular spot in your meal rotation—you won’t regret it!

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

A delicious and easy one-pot meal that combines the flavors of chicken Parmesan with pasta in a cheesy, comforting dish. This Chicken Parmesan Pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Parmesan Pasta:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
12 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
1 tablespoon butter (if using breadcrumbs)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook until browned.
Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant.
Add pasta, marinara sauce, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until pasta is tender.
Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Remove from heat and garnish with basil or parsley.
Optional crispy topping: Melt butter, toast breadcrumbs, and sprinkle over the dish.