Name: One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 (such as rigatoni); 24 oz jar of marinara sauce; Water to fill the empty marinara sauce jar; 1 cup mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional; Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re a fan of comforting, heartwarming pasta meals that won’t leave you with a towering stack of dishes, then One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. This dish delivers all the flavors of classic chicken parmesan—juicy chicken, tangy marinara, tender pasta, and layers of gooey, bubbly cheese—while sparing you extra effort. By cooking everything together in a single pot, you get incredible depth of flavor, minimized cleanup, and a meal that’s as impressive for guests as it is easy to whip up for your family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple lineup behind this irresistible One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. Each ingredient pulls its weight, bringing something unique to the table—whether it’s a pop of aromatic flavor, gooey cheesiness, a burst of color, or that unmistakable Italian flair. Make sure to use the freshest ingredients you can find; you’ll really taste the difference in the end result!

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for soaking up the flavors and staying tender in every bite.
Italian seasoning: A staple blend of herbs infuses the dish with unmistakable Italian flavor, shortcutting tons of prep work!
Garlic powder: This amps up the savoriness and pairs beautifully with fresh garlic for fuller depth.
Yellow onion: Minced onion melts into the sauce, adding sweetness and a little texture.
Fresh garlic: Minced garlic releases aromatic oils as it cooks, layering in extra flavor.
Short-cut pasta (rigatoni): Rigatoni’s hearty shape is ideal for holding onto sauce and cheese, but penne or ziti work, too.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred marinara for zesty tomato richness—Newman’s Own is always a crowd-pleaser.
Water: Swirl it in the sauce jar to get every last drop, then pour into the pot to help the pasta cook perfectly.
Mozzarella cheese: Nothing says comfort like heaps of melted, stringy mozzarella on top—don’t be shy!
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty oomph and that gorgeous golden topping.
Salt and pepper: Bring out the best in every ingredient; taste as you go!
Additional Italian seasoning (optional): Sprinkle more on top for an extra punch of Italian vibes if you like.
Fresh parsley and/or basil: These add a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor as a garnish to finish.

How to Make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Sauté and Season the Chicken

Begin by grabbing your favorite large pot, skillet, or Dutch oven and drizzle in a little olive oil. Heat it over medium-high, then toss in those diced chicken pieces. Sprinkle on salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder—the aroma will make your kitchen feel like a cozy trattoria in no time. Sauté the chicken for about five minutes, just until it’s almost cooked through. Scoop it out to a plate for now; don’t worry, it’ll be back soon to soak up even more flavors.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot (don’t clean it out; those golden brown bits left behind are pure flavor), stir in your minced onion and garlic. Let them cook for two to three minutes until they’re fragrant and soft, without browning. Pour in your jar of marinara sauce, then add a jarful of water—give it a good swirl in the jar first to catch every last delicious drop. Bring everything to a boil, letting the sauce and aromatics come together.

Step 3: Simmer Chicken and Pasta Together

Return your sautéed chicken to the pot, adding all that tasty, seasoned goodness. Stir in your dried pasta so it nestles down into the sauce. Cover the pot and let everything simmer together for 10 to 15 minutes, giving it a stir now and then to prevent sticking. The pasta will soften and release starches, making the sauce luxuriously silky, while the chicken finishes cooking through.

Step 4: Stir In the Cheeses

Once your pasta is just how you like it (tender but not mushy!), stir in grated parmesan and about a quarter of your mozzarella. This is the secret to that extra creamy sauce, as the cheeses melt right in, thickening everything and adding even more flavor.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finish

Time for the big finish! Scatter the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top, then cover and let the pot cook for another two to three minutes. The cheese will melt into irresistible gooeyness, forming a tempting, golden blanket that’s hard to resist. If you want, finish with a dash more Italian seasoning right before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, sprinkle over a generous shower of minced parsley or basil for beautiful color and herby freshness. This simple step makes the dish feel instantly restaurant-worthy!

How to Serve One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

Dress up your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta simply but beautifully! A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil brings a lovely pop of green and herbal brightness right before you dig in. For a little kick, you could also add a quick pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or even an extra shower of parmesan cheese just as you serve it.

Side Dishes

This dish is plenty hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, nothing beats a crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette. A basket of warm, crusty bread or garlic knots is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce. You could also serve it with simply roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not wow your guests by serving One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta straight out of your Dutch oven table-side (perfect for a rustic, family-style feel)? For fancier occasions, spoon it carefully into shallow bowls and finish with extra herbs and a ribbon of olive oil. You can even use ramekins for individual portions, topping each with extra melted cheese and broiling for a minute or two for bubbly, golden magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply let the pasta cool to room temperature then spoon it into an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors may even develop more overnight.

Freezing

For longer storage, One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into airtight, freezer-safe containers; be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up. It should keep good flavor and texture for up to two months—just try to eat it before then for best results.

Reheating

When you’re ready to reheat, you can microwave single servings, stirring halfway to ensure even warming. Alternatively, place a larger portion in a covered skillet or baking dish with a splash of water or extra sauce and warm gently on the stove or in the oven until heated through. Don’t forget to add a bit more cheese on top if you’re feeling indulgent!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni provides wonderful texture and sauce-grabbing power, you can use penne, ziti, fusilli, or any sturdy, short-cut pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—thinner or smaller pasta shapes may cook a bit faster.

Is it possible to make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and check that the other ingredients, like marinara sauce, are certified gluten-free. You may need to slightly adjust the liquid and cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can absorb more water.

What’s the best way to get the cheese extra gooey?

The layered method works wonders! Stir some cheese into the hot pasta so it melts and thickens the sauce, then finish with lots more cheese on top, cover, and give it a couple of minutes to melt until bubbly and gooey. For a golden, crispy top, pop the pot under the broiler for a minute, if your cookware is oven-safe.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Certainly! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, and hold up well in one-pot dishes. Just dice them up as you would the breasts and cook until almost done before adding the other ingredients.

Can I make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta vegetarian?

Definitely! Omit the chicken and throw in extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a satisfying vegetarian version. You could also use plant-based chicken alternatives if preferred.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a staple for so many busy cooks—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and so simple to pull off. You’ll love how all those iconic flavors come together in a single pot, making dinner deliciously easy and cleanup painless. I hope you try it soon (and maybe make it your new comforting favorite, too!).

One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: 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 cheese all in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Season and cook the chicken until mostly cooked through. Remove from pot.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Cook the onion and garlic until soft. Add marinara sauce and water.
Add Chicken and Pasta: Stir in chicken and pasta. Cover and cook until pasta is tender. Stir in parmesan and mozzarella.
Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella on top and cook until melted and gooey.
Finish and Serve: Add Italian seasoning if desired, garnish with parsley or basil, and serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: Italian