This easy one-pot recipe delivers all the flavors of chicken Parmesan in a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. Tender chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey melted cheese come together for the ultimate comfort food—without the hassle of breading and frying. Best of all, it’s ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot, easy cleanup – Everything cooks in a single pan.
- Classic chicken Parmesan flavors – Without the extra work!
- Quick and satisfying – Ready in under 40 minutes.
- Family-friendly – A meal both kids and adults will love.
- Customizable – Add veggies or spice it up to your liking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, chopped
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Pasta (penne or rotini work best)
- Chicken broth
- Marinara sauce
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the Oil – In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the Chicken – Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
- Sauté Onion & Garlic – In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add Marinara & Broth – Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, stirring well to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Add the Pasta – Stir in the uncooked pasta and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Stir in Cream & Parmesan – Reduce the heat to low, add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and stir until smooth.
- Return Chicken to the Pot – Add the cooked chicken back in and mix well.
Step 5: Melt the Mozzarella
- Top with Mozzarella – Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the pasta and cover for 2-3 minutes until melted.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Veggie Boost – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Lighter Version – Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or half-and-half.
- Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs for a classic chicken Parmesan feel.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works well—just stir it in at the end.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best for holding onto the sauce.
Can I skip the heavy cream?
Yes! You can use half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or omit it for a lighter sauce.
Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
No! It cooks right in the sauce, making this a true one-pot meal.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir occasionally and make sure there’s enough liquid while cooking.
Can I add breadcrumbs on top?
Yes! Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs before serving for extra crunch.
What can I serve with this dish?
Garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
How can I make it extra cheesy?
Use extra mozzarella or mix in provolone for a richer taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything except the final cheese topping and refrigerate. Reheat and melt the cheese before serving.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Try ground turkey, shrimp, or even sausage for a different twist.
Conclusion
One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta is an easy, comforting dish that brings all the flavors of chicken Parmesan into a creamy, saucy pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a simple yet delicious homemade pasta dinner!
Print
One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy all the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a creamy, cheesy one-pot pasta dish! This easy comfort food recipe features tender chicken, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned (about 5-6 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Pour in chicken broth and marinara sauce, then bring to a boil.
- Stir in uncooked pasta, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover.
- Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
3. Make it Cheesy!
- Stir in heavy cream, then mix in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting, and easy pasta dish!
Notes
- For extra crunch, top with toasted panko breadcrumbs before serving.
- Want a lighter version? Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or low-fat milk.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American