This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta brings together all the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan in a single, easy-to-make dish. With tender chicken, marinara-coated pasta, and gooey melted cheese, this comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A complete, satisfying meal made in just one pot.
• Combines the rich flavors of chicken Parmesan with hearty pasta.
• Minimal cleanup—perfect for busy evenings.
• Ready in just 35 minutes, ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Easily customizable with your favorite pasta shapes or extra veggies.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 medium yellow onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 16 oz dried short-cut pasta (e.g., rigatoni)
• 24 oz jar of marinara sauce (e.g., Newman’s Own)
• Water to fill the empty marinara sauce jar
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Additional dried Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot or skillet (such as a Dutch oven) over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is mostly cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic.
2. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 3: Add the Sauce and Water

1. Pour in the marinara sauce.
2. Fill the empty sauce jar with water and add it to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a strong simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Chicken

1. Return the chicken to the pot along with the dried pasta.
2. Stir well, then cover and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

1. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
2. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
3. Cover and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning if desired.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a bright, herbaceous finish.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Boost: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrients.
• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
• Low-Carb: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Extra Cheesy: Mix in ricotta or add more Parmesan for an even cheesier dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works well. Add it during Step 4 to heat through.

2. What type of pasta works best?

Short-cut pasta like rigatoni, penne, or rotini works best for this recipe, but any pasta shape can be used.

3. Can I substitute the mozzarella?

Yes, provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses are great alternatives.

4. What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the pot occasionally while the pasta cooks to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein.

6. How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Cook the chicken until it’s just done in Step 1; it will finish cooking in the sauce with the pasta.

7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat well for easy meal prep.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the dish uncovered in Step 4 to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken.

9. What can I serve with this pasta?

A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish.

10. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade marinara adds a personal touch and fresh flavor.

Conclusion

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying meal that combines the comforting flavors of chicken Parmesan with the ease of a one-pot dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this quick recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: fella
• Prep Time: 10min
• Cook Time: 25min
• Total Time: 35min
• Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: one-pot
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Savor the flavors of Chicken Parmesan in this one-pot pasta dish! A simple, cheesy, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 medium yellow onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 16 oz dried short-cut pasta (e.g., rigatoni)
• 24 oz jar marinara sauce (e.g., Newman’s Own)
• Water (fill the empty marinara sauce jar)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Additional dried Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

• Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot or skillet (like a Dutch oven) over medium-high heat.
• Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
• Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.

3. Add the Sauce and Liquid

• Pour in the marinara sauce. Fill the empty jar with water and add it to the pot. Stir to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a strong simmer.

4. Cook the Pasta

• Add the chicken back to the pot along with the dried pasta. Stir to combine.
• Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

5. Add the Cheese

• Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until melted and incorporated.

6. Top with Cheese

• Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish.
• Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.

7. Garnish and Serve

• If desired, sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
• Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy, comforting one-pot pasta!

---

Notes

• Substitute chicken with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a variation.
• Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.