The Best One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Family Night

Crafting a delightful one-pot chicken parmesan pasta promises a culinary adventure that simplifies weeknight dinners.

Cheese melts luxuriously through tender pasta strands, creating a comforting blend of Italian-inspired flavors.

Streamlined cooking means fewer dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Kitchen magic happens when classic ingredients combine effortlessly in a single pot.

Bold seasonings dance with juicy chicken and perfectly cooked noodles, delivering restaurant-quality taste at home.

Minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction await you in this smart, satisfying recipe.

Prepare to savor every single, scrumptious bite of this hassle-free dinner solution.

What Makes One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta So Tasty

• Simplify Cooking: Prepare a complete meal in one pot, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time for enjoying dinner together.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Combine classic chicken parmesan with pasta, delivering a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies every taste bud with rich marinara and melted cheeses.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, offering a balanced meal with protein, pasta, and cheesy goodness that everyone will love.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this a go-to recipe for busy families seeking a delicious, stress-free dinner option.

Key Ingredients for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken: Tender protein that serves as the primary component of the dish.
• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that absorbs the flavorful sauce and provides hearty texture.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian sauce that adds rich tomato flavor to the one-pot meal.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and create a robust flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational vegetables that build a deep, savory base for the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the savory flavor of the pasta.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that melt beautifully and provide a rich, tangy finish to the dish.

• Fresh Basil: Bright herb that adds a fresh, aromatic touch to the completed one-pot meal.

• Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautéing chicken and vegetables with a subtle, rich flavor.

Step-by-Step Preparation for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Grab your chicken pieces and sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Make sure each piece gets a good coating of those flavor-packed seasonings.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces into the pot and let them sizzle and brown for about 5 minutes. You want a beautiful golden color that locks in all those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Enhance with Aromatics

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic. Let them dance around the chicken for 2 minutes, releasing their mouth-watering fragrance and adding depth to the dish.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

Pour in marinara sauce and chicken broth, then add penne pasta. Give everything a good stir to ensure the pasta is well-coated and starts to absorb all those incredible flavors.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the pasta becomes tender and perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese

Sprinkle in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until they melt completely, creating a creamy, dreamy sauce that hugs every single pasta noodle.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped basil leaves. Serve the pasta piping hot, straight from the pot to the plate, ready to be devoured by hungry diners.

Expert Advice for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easier preparation.
• For a lighter version, swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to suit dietary needs.
• Adjust the liquid ratio if using different pasta types, as some absorb more liquid than others.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and provides a richer flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Enhance the dish's depth by adding red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or extra Italian herbs for more aromatic complexity.

Variations to Personalize One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace marinara with sun-dried tomato sauce, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest: Swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Use pepper jack cheese, add corn kernels, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Creamy Alfredo Chicken: Substitute marinara with heavy cream and alfredo sauce. Include roasted garlic, spinach leaves, and extra Parmesan for a rich, luxurious pasta experience.
• Herb Garden Chicken: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage into the seasoning blend. Use a mix of herb-infused cheeses and garnish with microgreens for an elegant touch.

Pairing Ideas for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Savor Crisp Chardonnay Companion: A buttery, medium-bodied Chardonnay perfectly balances the rich, cheesy pasta with its smooth oak undertones and bright acidity that cuts through the heaviness of the dish.
• Pair with Rustic Garlic Bread: Crispy, herb-infused garlic bread provides a crunchy texture contrast and helps soak up the delicious marinara sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Red Wine Robust Match: A medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato-based sauce and chicken, with its acidic profile and subtle tannins bringing out the depth of the Italian-inspired flavors.

Storage Tips for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs About One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar.

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. It’s a mild, classic chicken parmesan pasta with traditional Italian seasonings. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.

• What if I don't have fresh basil?

No problem! You can use dried basil or skip it entirely. The dish will still taste delicious with the cheese and marinara sauce.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 27-32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering one-pot chicken parmesan pasta, where classic Italian flavors meld seamlessly with simple cooking techniques. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, this dish offers a delightful dinner solution you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces (227 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Liberally coat chicken with a robust blend of aromatic spices, ensuring each piece is thoroughly seasoned.
2. Sear chicken in a spacious pot with hot olive oil, developing a golden-brown exterior over medium-high heat for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Introduce finely chopped onions and fragrant garlic, sautéing until they release their delectable aromatics.
4. Cascade marinara sauce and rich chicken broth over the chicken, then gently fold in penne pasta, creating a harmonious mixture.
5. Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow the pasta to absorb flavors for 15-20 minutes, or until perfectly tender.
6. Incorporate mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they melt into a creamy, luxurious sauce that envelops the pasta and chicken.
7. Transfer to serving dishes, adorning with freshly torn basil leaves for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Select high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful result.
• Use homemade marinara sauce for a richer, more authentic taste if time permits.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni for textural variety.
• Customize the dish by adding extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for increased nutrition and color.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 22-27 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 451 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg