If you’re anything like me, some of the best meals are the ones that come together with minimal effort, yet leave you feeling totally satisfied. That’s exactly what this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta delivers. It’s cheesy, comforting, and packed with all the flavors you love about classic chicken parmesan — but without the need for extra dishes or complicated steps. If you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, then this recipe is for you.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come home after a busy day, staring at the fridge, wondering what to make that won’t take forever but still feels like a warm hug in a bowl. That’s when this one-pot wonder steps in. It’s simple to make, it’s filling, and best of all, the cleanup is a breeze. From the tender, seasoned chicken to the perfectly cooked pasta coated in marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish has everything you need to make your taste buds dance.
Let’s Talk About the Ingredients :
Before diving into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients. Nothing too fancy here, but together they create something truly delicious. You’ll need:
- Chicken breasts: Diced into bite-sized pieces. Chicken breast is lean, easy to cook, and takes on the flavor of the seasonings beautifully.
- Italian seasoning & garlic powder: These two are key to infusing your chicken with that signature Italian flavor, and they pair so well with the marinara sauce.
- Onion & garlic: These aromatics bring an essential depth of flavor, and they cook down into the sauce to really elevate the dish.
- Pasta: I love using rigatoni here because the sauce can really get into those little ridges, but you can use any short pasta you have on hand.
- Marinara sauce: Store-bought marinara saves time but still delivers that perfect tomato flavor. (I’m a huge fan of Newman’s Own, but you can use whatever brand you prefer).
- Mozzarella & Parmesan: The star players in the cheesy goodness department. Trust me when I say these cheeses are what make this dish irresistible.
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s jump into the first few steps!
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot or skillet. I love using a Dutch oven for this because it’s big enough to hold everything, and it gives the chicken a nice sear. Heat the oil over medium-high heat, and then add your diced chicken. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. These spices will really enhance the flavor of the chicken, giving it a tasty base that will shine through in every bite.
Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes. You want it to be mostly cooked through at this point, but not completely done. We’ll finish cooking it later along with the pasta. Once it’s cooked, take the chicken out of the pot and set it aside on a plate. We’ll come back to it in just a minute.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic. You’ll want to cook them for about 2-3 minutes, just enough to soften the onion and make it translucent. This step is so important because those bits of garlic and onion that get slightly caramelized in the pot? That’s where the magic happens. They bring out all their natural sweetness and deepen the flavor of the sauce.
It’s easy to get carried away here, but remember: we don’t want to burn the garlic. So keep an eye on it, stir occasionally, and once the onion is soft and the garlic smells amazing (about 2-3 minutes), it’s time to move on to the next step.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Now that the onion and garlic are smelling fantastic, it’s time to introduce the marinara sauce to the party. Pour in the marinara sauce from the jar and stir it around to get all that deliciousness mixed in with the onion and garlic. But here’s a little trick I like to use: once the sauce is in, take the empty marinara jar, fill it with water, and pour that into the pot as well.
Why do I do this? Well, first of all, it helps to get all the leftover sauce that might be clinging to the sides of the jar, ensuring no flavor goes to waste. Plus, adding the extra water helps create a nice, saucy base that will perfectly cook the pasta without being too thick or too thin. Stir everything together, bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a strong simmer.
Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes so all those flavors meld together. At this point, your kitchen is probably starting to smell like an Italian restaurant — trust me, that’s a good sign!
Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Chicken
Once your sauce is bubbling away, it’s time to add the pasta. Just toss the dried pasta into the pot and stir it to make sure it’s evenly distributed. Add the chicken back in now too — you want that juicy chicken to soak up the marinara sauce and finish cooking as the pasta does.
Cover the pot and let everything simmer away for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The key here is to check the pasta at around the 10-minute mark to make sure it’s cooked to your liking. Some people like their pasta a little firmer, while others prefer it soft. The great thing about this dish is that you can customize it as you go.
Now, I should mention that stirring occasionally is super important. You don’t want the pasta to stick to the bottom of the pot, so give it a gentle stir every 3-4 minutes. This also helps the pasta absorb all that flavorful sauce as it cooks.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, it’s time for the cheese! This is where things get really exciting. Stir in the Parmesan cheese first. Parmesan is a little nutty and salty, and it adds that nice depth of flavor that’s so typical of any chicken parmesan dish.
Next, add in about 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir it all around until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce and pasta. Trust me, this is when you’ll see your pasta transform into a cheesy, saucy dream. The melted mozzarella coats every single noodle, and you can already imagine how delicious it’s going to be when you dig in.
Step 6: Finish with Mozzarella
Now, let’s take it one step further and add more cheese (because, honestly, can you ever have too much?). Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta, and cover the pot for another 2-3 minutes. This last bit of cheese will melt into a glorious, gooey layer on top of everything.
After those few minutes, your one-pot chicken parmesan pasta will look like it came straight out of a restaurant. The cheese is melted, the pasta is perfectly cooked, and the sauce is thick and flavorful. I like to peek under the lid to make sure everything is gooey and melty before serving — and trust me, it’s always worth the wait.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to add some finishing touches. A sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning will give the dish that little extra burst of herby flavor. Then, for a fresh touch, garnish with minced parsley or basil. It adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh contrast to the richness of the sauce and cheese.
And just like that, you’ve got yourself a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and perfectly cheesy — all made in one pot!
Pro Tips:
- Customize the Pasta: While rigatoni is my go-to for this recipe, feel free to use any short pasta you have. Penne, ziti, or farfalle would all work great.
- Want a Little Extra Crunch? Try broiling the pasta for 1-2 minutes once it’s done cooking to get a crispy top layer of cheese. Just be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes when you cook the onion and garlic. It adds a wonderful kick that pairs beautifully with the marinara sauce.
- Leftovers? This dish reheats wonderfully! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.
FAQ Section and Conclusion :
We’ve made it to the final part of our One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta adventure! By now, your kitchen probably smells amazing, and you’re just about ready to dig into that cheesy, comforting goodness. But before we wrap things up, I thought it might be helpful to answer some common questions that come up when making this dish. I’m always here for making the cooking process as easy and stress-free as possible, so let’s dive in!
Frequently Asked Questions :
1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While I love using rigatoni for its ability to hold onto that delicious sauce, you can easily swap it out for penne, ziti, fusilli, or even farfalle. The key is to use a short pasta shape so it cooks evenly with the sauce and chicken. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may cook slightly faster or slower.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! If you’re meal prepping or just want to make things easier for a busy day, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. You can cook it all the way through, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, though the pasta may soften a bit upon reheating.
3. How can I make this dish healthier? If you’re looking to cut down on calories or make it a bit lighter, you can make a few simple swaps:
- Use chicken breast (which you’re already using) for a leaner protein.
- Swap regular pasta for a whole wheat or gluten-free version.
- Try using part-skim mozzarella cheese to reduce fat.
- You can even sneak in some veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini when you sauté the onion and garlic for added nutrients.
4. Can I use homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought? Definitely! If you have your own marinara sauce, it will work just as well (if not better). Homemade sauce often has a fresher, richer flavor, and it’s a great way to use up extra tomatoes or herbs you may have on hand. Just make sure the sauce is well-seasoned, so the dish still has all the wonderful flavors you love.
5. Can I add other proteins, like sausage or ground beef? Of course! This recipe is very versatile. If you’re in the mood for something different, you can easily swap out the chicken for Italian sausage or ground beef. If using sausage, you might want to brown it first and remove the casings before adding it to the pot. Ground beef or turkey can be cooked along with the onion and garlic for a similar texture to the chicken.
6. Can I skip the cheese if I’m dairy-free? While cheese is what makes this dish so indulgent, you can definitely make it dairy-free. Try using dairy-free mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, or skip the cheese entirely if you prefer. The pasta and sauce will still be flavorful and satisfying without it.
7. How can I get the cheese on top to be extra melty and gooey? If you want that extra melty, golden cheese topping, you can pop the pot under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after you add the remaining mozzarella. Just be sure to watch it closely, as broilers work fast, and you don’t want the cheese to burn. This will give you that crispy, cheesy crust that’s so irresistible!
Conclusion: A Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again
I hope you’re feeling excited to try this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta for yourself — or maybe you’ve already whipped up a batch! Either way, I’m confident that this dish will become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s quick, easy, and full of all the comforting flavors that make weeknight dinners feel extra special.
The best part is that it’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is minimal, and the whole family will love it. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cheesy and satisfying, this recipe fits the bill every time.
Don’t forget to sprinkle on some fresh herbs for that finishing touch and dig into the melty, cheesy goodness! And if you try any fun variations or come up with your own twists on the recipe, be sure to let me know in the comments. I’m always excited to hear what you come up with!
So, go ahead — grab your pot, get cooking, and enjoy every bite of this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. It’s comfort food made easy, and it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals. Happy cooking! 🍝🧀🍅
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Meal in 35 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines tender, seasoned chicken with pasta cooked in a rich, flavorful marinara sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s a quick, comforting meal that brings the delicious flavors of chicken Parmesan into one easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz dried short-cut pasta (e.g., rigatoni)
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce
- Water to fill the empty marinara sauce jar
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot or skillet (like a Dutch oven), add a drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the chicken is mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
3️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:
Pour in the marinara sauce, then fill the empty sauce jar with water and add it to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a strong simmer.
4️⃣ Cook the Pasta and Chicken:
Add the chicken back to the pot along with the dried pasta. Stir to combine, then cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
5️⃣ Add the Cheese:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and incorporated.
6️⃣ Finish with Mozzarella:
Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese on top of the dish. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
7️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
If desired, sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot. Enjoy your cheesy, one-pot chicken parmesan pasta!
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can use any short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti) for this recipe.
- If you prefer a crispier cheese topping, broil the dish for a minute or two at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 620 kcal per serving
