One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner that doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes, this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe is for you. This dish combines all the flavors of classic chicken Parmesan—juicy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melty cheese—into a simple, one-pot pasta meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and it only takes about 30 minutes to whip up. Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

1. Cook the Onion: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.
2. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure it doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids

1. Add the Pasta and Broth: Pour in the penne pasta and chicken broth, stirring everything together.
2. Incorporate the Marinara Sauce: Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let the pasta cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4: Add the Cooked Chicken

1. Return the Chicken: Once the pasta is nearly cooked, add the browned chicken back into the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to fully heat through.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Broil

1. Add the Cheeses: Once the pasta and chicken are fully cooked, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the dish.
2. Optional Broiling Step: If you want a crispy, golden top, transfer the pot to the oven and broil on high for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with Fresh Basil: Remove the pot from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil for a pop of color and extra flavor.
2. Serve Hot: Ladle the pasta into bowls and enjoy your cheesy, comforting meal.

Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts from scratch.
• Switch Up the Pasta: While penne is a great choice, you can use any type of short pasta such as fusilli, ziti, or rigatoni.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to throw in some veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to boost the nutritional value of the dish.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or drizzle some hot sauce over your bowl for an extra kick.

Why You’ll Love One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Minimal Cleanup: Since everything is cooked in one pot, you don’t have to worry about multiple dishes piling up in the sink.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Cheesy Goodness: With both mozzarella and Parmesan melted into the dish, every bite is filled with cheesy deliciousness.
• Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding vegetables or adjusting the seasonings.

Health Benefits of Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Though this dish feels indulgent, it also offers some health benefits:

• High in Protein: The chicken provides lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and keeps you feeling full.
• Tomato Benefits: The marinara sauce is made from tomatoes, which are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, known for promoting heart health.
• Calcium from Cheese: Both mozzarella and Parmesan add calcium to your diet, which is important for maintaining strong bones.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This hearty pasta dish pairs well with simple sides like:

• Garlic Bread: The perfect accompaniment to soak up the rich marinara sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A light and refreshing salad complements the cheesy pasta beautifully.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Storing:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

• Freezer-Friendly: This pasta dish can also be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Microwave: For quick reheating, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Oven: You can also reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.

Conclusion

This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe is everything you could want in a weeknight dinner—quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and cheesy marinara sauce makes this a family favorite. Plus, the one-pot method ensures minimal cleanup, so you can enjoy a stress-free cooking experience. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to satisfy!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes! Feel free to swap out mozzarella for provolone or even use a blend of Italian cheeses.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.
3. What can I substitute for chicken broth?
   If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth or water with a little extra seasoning.
4. Is it okay to use leftover chicken?
   Yes, this recipe works great with leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
5. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
   Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions to this dish for extra nutrients.

Yield: 4

One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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If you're looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner that doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes, this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe is for you. This dish combines all the flavors of classic chicken Parmesan—juicy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melty cheese—into a simple, one-pot pasta meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and it only takes about 30 minutes to whip up. Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
   Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Liquids:
   Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth.
   Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using), then stir to combine.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the sauce.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Combine and Melt Cheese:
   Once the pasta is cooked, stir the browned chicken back into the pot.
   Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, then cover the pot for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
   Serve hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Notes

Chicken Substitute: You can also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier option.

Add Veggies: Feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like heat.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.