Weeknight Favorite: One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
I made this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe last night, and I can’t wait to share it with you! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Italian flavors—yet takes minimal effort. Honestly, this dish is a game changer for busy nights.
I love that everything comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It also reminds me of my favorite Best Taco Soup Recipe, just without the mess.
Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why)
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this one-pot magic happen. I’ve also added some quick tips to help you make the best version possible.
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces: Fresh chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy—avoid pre-cooked or frozen!
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Adds that herby, Italian flavor we all love.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the savory base of the dish.
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced: Sweet and aromatic—essential for depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a punchy kick!
- 16 oz dried short-cut pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli work great): Short pasta holds sauce beautifully—don’t overcook!
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce: Use a good-quality sauce for the best flavor.
- Water (fill the empty marinara jar): Helps cook the pasta directly in the sauce.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts to perfection—go for low-moisture mozzarella.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds saltiness and depth—grate it fresh if you can!
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Season as you go for the best flavor.
- Extra Italian seasoning (optional): Sprinkle on top for that finishing touch.
- Fresh parsley or basil, minced for garnish: Adds color and fresh flavor at the end.
Note: This recipe serves 4–6 people generously.
Variations: Customize It Your Way
You can easily make this recipe your own. Here are a few swaps and add-ins I’ve tried that worked beautifully. Plus, it fits well into your weekly dinner recipes rotation!
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free shredded mozzarella and skip the Parmesan.
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during the simmering step.
- Spice Lovers: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño for heat.
- Pasta Swap: Try gluten-free pasta or whole wheat for a healthier twist.
- Protein Change-Up: Swap chicken for turkey or even plant-based sausage.
Cooking Time Breakdown
This dish is super quick from start to finish!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Make sure you have these on hand to cook everything perfectly:
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven – For one-pot cooking and even heat.
- Measuring spoons – To get the seasoning ratios just right.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – For prepping chicken and veggies.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir everything gently without scratching.
- Grater – For fresh Parmesan (highly recommended!).
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Cooking this dish is easy and fuss-free. Let me walk you through the steps I followed.
Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Let the chicken cook for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then. You want it mostly cooked but still tender. Once it’s ready, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Cook the Onion and Garlic
Without cleaning the pot (because flavor!), add your minced onion and garlic. Let them sizzle for 2–3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. This step builds the flavor base that makes the whole dish pop.
Create the Sauce Base
Pour in the jar of marinara sauce, then fill the empty jar with water and pour that in too. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil. Then lower the heat slightly and let it simmer—this is when the magic starts!
Simmer the Pasta and Chicken
Return the mostly cooked chicken to the pot. Add in your pasta and stir to combine. Cover the pot and let everything simmer for about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. Cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
Add the Cheesy Goodness
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan and 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella. This makes the pasta extra creamy and flavorful. Stir gently so the cheese melts into every bite.
Final Cheese Layer
Now for the best part! Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Cover the pot again for 2–3 minutes to let it melt into a gooey, cheesy layer. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks irresistibly melty.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top for that final touch. Add a bit more Italian seasoning if you like. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, one-pot creation.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
I’ve made this dish multiple times, and these little tweaks can really elevate your experience:
- Use fresh herbs for garnish—they brighten up the whole dish.
- Stir frequently during pasta cooking to prevent sticking or burning.
- Don’t skip the onion and garlic step—it creates the base flavor.
- If using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, check doneness a few minutes early.
- Add a splash of cream or a spoon of ricotta if you like it extra creamy.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
Serving this dish is just as fun as cooking it. Presentation matters too!
Plate the pasta in a large bowl and top it with more fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. I love serving it alongside garlic bread or a simple green salad.
If you’re a pasta lover like me, this dish makes a cozy alternative to the Pesto Chicken Parmesan Recipe—with even fewer dishes to wash!
Nutritional Information
This dish is hearty but balanced. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 470
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 19g
How to Store the One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Restoring: Add a splash of marinara or water when reheating to keep the pasta moist.
- Freezing: Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave. Stir occasionally and add a little sauce if it seems dry.
- Stays Fresh: In the fridge, the dish stays fresh for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons this one-pot pasta is a family favorite. Here’s why it might be yours too:
- Quick and Easy: From stove to plate in just 35 minutes.
- One Pot, Less Mess: Everything cooks in one dish—hello, easy cleanup!
- Customizable: Make it spicier, cheesier, or even vegetarian.
- Comfort Food Vibes: Warm, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results
Avoid these missteps to make sure your pasta turns out perfect every time:
- Skipping the sauté steps: Don’t rush through the onion/garlic cooking—it sets the flavor.
- Using low-quality sauce: Invest in a good marinara or make your own.
- Not stirring pasta while simmering: It might stick to the bottom if you don’t.
- Overcooking the pasta: It’ll get mushy. Taste test as you go.
- Using too much water: Stick to just one jar of water to avoid a watery sauce.
More Info for Better Experience
For an even better experience, you can:
- Try using homemade marinara sauce for a richer taste.
- Pair with red wine for a romantic dinner night.
- Turn leftovers into a baked pasta dish—just top with breadcrumbs and bake until crispy!
- Use this recipe as a base and add your own twists—make it yours!
One One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Let the chicken cook for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then. You want it mostly cooked but still tender. Once it’s ready, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- Without cleaning the pot (because flavor!), add your minced onion and garlic. Let them sizzle for 2–3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. This step builds the flavor base that makes the whole dish pop.
- Pour in the jar of marinara sauce, then fill the empty jar with water and pour that in too. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil. Then lower the heat slightly and let it simmer—this is when the magic starts!
- Return the mostly cooked chicken to the pot. Add in your pasta and stir to combine. Cover the pot and let everything simmer for about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. Cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan and 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella. This makes the pasta extra creamy and flavorful. Stir gently so the cheese melts into every bite.
- Now for the best part! Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Cover the pot again for 2–3 minutes to let it melt into a gooey, cheesy layer. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks irresistibly melty.
- Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top for that final touch. Add a bit more Italian seasoning if you like. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, one-pot creation!