One‑Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

A hearty, comforting pasta dish where juicy chicken, tender noodles, and cheesy marinara sauce all come together in a single pot—delicious, easy, and perfect for weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers all the flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan—crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and melted cheese—but simplifies the process into one pot. Fewer dishes, quick cleanup, and everything cooks together so the pasta absorbs all the savory chicken and tomato goodness.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)

• Garlic powder (optional)

• Olive oil or a drizzle of oil + butter

• Onion, finely chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells work well)

• Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• Chicken broth or water

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

directions

1. I season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a touch of garlic powder.

2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, I heat olive oil (or oil and butter) over medium-high heat. I add the seasoned chicken and sauté until browned and nearly cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. I transfer it to a plate.

3. In the same pot, I add a little more oil if needed, then sauté onion until softened—about 3 minutes. I stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. I pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, then stir in the pasta—pushing it down so it’s fully submerged. I bring it to a gentle simmer.

5. I nestle the chicken pieces back in, cover the pot, and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 12–15 minutes, depending on pasta type). I stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Once the pasta is cooked, I stir in half the mozzarella and Parmesan until melted through and creamy.

7. I sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover again for a minute to melt, then remove from heat.

8. I garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking takes around 20 minutes—so the total time is roughly 30 minutes.

Variations

• Spicy twist: I stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when adding the sauce.

• Veggie boost: I toss in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during step 4.

• Cheese upgrade: I swap in provolone, fontina, or smoked mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.

• Creamy version: I stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end for added richness.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm servings gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or sauce, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

FAQs

Do I have to use chicken breast?

No—chicken thighs work beautifully too. I prefer thighs for juiciness and slightly shorter cook time.

What pasta shape works best?

I like shapes that hold sauce in crevices like rigatoni, penne, or shells—but most dried pasta works fine.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Yes—I sauté the chicken, mix sauce and pasta, then refrigerate. I bring it to room temperature before cooking, adding a bit more broth as needed.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely—I use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth is gluten-free. The cooking process remains the same.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes—I omit chicken and add extra veggies or beans for protein. I also swap broth for a flavorful vegetable broth.

Conclusion

I find this One‑Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta to be a delicious blend of comfort and convenience—cheesy, savory, and satisfying with minimal cleanup. Great for busy nights and eager appetites! Let me know if you’d like wine pairing ideas or tips for stretching the recipe for leftovers.