One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta – A Cheesy Comforting Delight

Okay, so this might be the easiest and cheesiest pasta we’ve ever made. One pot, no mess, and all the flavor. It’s like Chicken Parmesan and pasta had the perfect baby.

We made this on a busy night, and wow—it came out so good. The chicken was juicy, the sauce was rich, and the cheese? So melty and perfect.

What we really loved was how fast it came together. No need for tons of pans or steps. Just toss it all in and let it work its magic

If you want dinner that’s easy, cozy, and full of cheesy goodness—this is it. Let’s make it together and dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: No extra dishes—everything cooks in one pan!
• Cheesy and Flavorful: A perfect balance of Parmesan, mozzarella, and tangy marinara.
• Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved: Even picky eaters will love this cozy, comforting meal.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this dish effortlessly, you’ll need:

✔️ Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (to cook everything in one pot)
✔️ Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
✔️ Sharp knife and cutting board (for chopping chicken and herbs)
✔️ Measuring cups & spoons (for accurate ingredient portions)
✔️ Cheese grater (if grating fresh Parmesan and mozzarella)

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s everything you’ll need to make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta:

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. You can also use boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
• Italian seasoning – Adds classic herbaceous flavors.
• Garlic powder – Enhances the savory taste of the chicken.
• Salt & pepper – Essential for seasoning.

For the Pasta:

• Dried short-cut pasta – Rigatoni, penne, or rotini work best for soaking up the sauce.
• Marinara sauce – Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for rich tomato flavor.
• Water – Used to cook the pasta right in the sauce. Fill the empty marinara jar with water and pour it in—this way, you get every last bit of sauce!

For the Cheesy Goodness:

• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey, stringy texture.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty depth to the dish.

For Garnish (Optional but Recommended):

• Fresh parsley or basil – For a pop of color and freshness.
• Additional Italian seasoning – Sprinkle a little extra for an added punch of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s start cooking!

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

1️⃣ Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and let it warm up.
2️⃣ Add the diced chicken and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
4️⃣ Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1️⃣ In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed.
2️⃣ Toss in the minced onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
3️⃣ Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds amazing flavor to the sauce.

Step 3: Add the Sauce & Pasta

1️⃣ Pour in the jar of marinara sauce and fill the empty jar with water, then pour that into the skillet as well.
2️⃣ Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3️⃣ Add the dried pasta and stir well to make sure all the noodles are submerged in the sauce.
4️⃣ Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to a low simmer.

🕒 Let the pasta cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash of water as needed.

Step 4: Add the Cooked Chicken Back

1️⃣ Once the pasta is nearly done, return the cooked chicken to the pot.
2️⃣ Stir everything together and let the chicken warm through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Make it Extra Cheesy

1️⃣ Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
2️⃣ Cover the skillet with a lid for 1-2 minutes to let the cheese melt into gooey perfection.
3️⃣ Remove the lid and sprinkle Parmesan cheese all over for an extra cheesy kick.

Step 6: Garnish & Final Touches

1️⃣ Once the cheese is fully melted and the pasta is coated in the rich, flavorful sauce, turn off the heat.
2️⃣ Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a fresh burst of flavor.
3️⃣ For an extra touch of Italian seasoning, give the dish a light dusting before serving.

Serving & Decoration Ideas

This one-pot pasta is already a complete meal, but here are some great ways to serve it:

• With Garlic Bread – Nothing beats warm, crispy garlic bread to scoop up the cheesy sauce.
• With a Fresh Side Salad – A simple Caesar or Italian salad balances the richness of the pasta.
• With a Sprinkle of Red Pepper Flakes – If you love a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes on top.
• With Extra Parmesan – Because let’s be real, more cheese is always better!

How to Store & Reheat

One of the best things about this dish? Leftovers taste just as amazing!

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tips:

• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or marinara sauce to a pan and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Variations & Customization Ideas

Want to change things up? Here are some easy ways to customize your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta:

Protein Swaps:

✔️ Use ground chicken or turkey for an easier, faster version.
✔️ Try Italian sausage for a bolder, spicier kick.
✔️ Go meatless – Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or chickpeas instead.

Pasta Options:

✔️ Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
✔️ Try gluten-free pasta – Just check the cooking time, as it may vary.

Cheese Choices:

✔️ Use burrata for a creamy, luxurious twist.
✔️ Swap mozzarella for provolone for a slightly sharper taste.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~450
Protein	~35g
Carbs	~50g
Fat	~12g
Fiber	~5g

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

FAQs: One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Short pasta like penne, rotini, or ziti works best. If using spaghetti, break it in half and stir frequently to prevent sticking.

2. What’s the best marinara sauce to use?

Use any high-quality jarred marinara like Newman’s Own, Rao’s, or Barilla. You can also use homemade sauce for extra freshness!

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

4. Can I freeze this pasta?

Yes! Let the pasta cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

5. How do I reheat leftovers?

• Stovetop: Add a splash of water and reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a dream come true for busy weeknights. With minimal effort, maximum flavor, and a perfect balance of cheesy, saucy goodness, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.