There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of cheesy, saucy pasta, and this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta takes comfort food to a whole new level. It’s a dish that combines all the flavors we love about classic Chicken Parmesan—savory chicken, tangy marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese—but makes it even better by turning it into a simple, one-pot meal. Whether you’re whipping this up for a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.
I remember the first time I made a one-pot pasta dish, and the sheer joy of having fewer dishes to clean was only rivaled by how incredible the meal turned out. This recipe captures all the magic of that first experience, with the bonus of being packed with protein, veggies, and loads of flavor. It’s the perfect marriage of convenience and deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Cleanup: One pot = fewer dishes to wash, making this perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: The familiar flavors of Chicken Parmesan are a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Balanced Meal: Packed with lean protein, whole-grain pasta, and a hearty tomato sauce.
- Customizable: Swap out the pasta or add your favorite veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 12 ounces whole-grain pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Build the Sauce
In the same pot, pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and water. Give it a good stir to combine all the liquids and scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan from the chicken.
3. Add the Pasta
Stir in the pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Combine Chicken and Pasta
Once the pasta is al dente, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Mix everything together so the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
5. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the pot again and let it sit for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden, crispy cheese layer, you can pop the pot under the broiler for a few minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness!
Helpful Tips
- Use the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work best in this recipe as they cook evenly and soak up the sauce.
- Keep an Eye on the Liquid: If the pasta absorbs too much liquid before it’s fully cooked, add a splash of water or broth to the pot.
- Make It Veggie-Friendly: Toss in some chopped spinach or zucchini for added nutrients.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Clean Eating
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Extra garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Check the package instructions and adjust accordingly.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce, and warm it gently over medium heat.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
-
Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup: A Cozy Comfort Dish for Every Season
-
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta: A Weeknight Dinner That Feels Like a Hug in a Bowl
Conclusion
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor, with minimal cleanup to boot. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress. Gather your ingredients, grab your pot, and enjoy the joy of a homemade meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Bon appétit!
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One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of cheesy, saucy pasta, and this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta takes comfort food to a whole new level. It’s a dish that combines all the flavors we love about classic Chicken Parmesan—savory chicken, tangy marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese—but makes it even better by turning it into a simple, one-pot meal. Whether you’re whipping this up for a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.
I remember the first time I made a one-pot pasta dish, and the sheer joy of having fewer dishes to clean was only rivaled by how incredible the meal turned out. This recipe captures all the magic of that first experience, with the bonus of being packed with protein, veggies, and loads of flavor. It’s the perfect marriage of convenience and deliciousness!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 12 ounces whole-grain pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
1. Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Build the Sauce
In the same pot, pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and water. Give it a good stir to combine all the liquids and scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan from the chicken.
3. Add the Pasta
Stir in the pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Combine Chicken and Pasta
Once the pasta is al dente, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Mix everything together so the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
5. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the pot again and let it sit for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden, crispy cheese layer, you can pop the pot under the broiler for a few minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness!
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Extra garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.