One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a cozy weeknight dinner where tender chicken, pasta, marinara, and plenty of melty cheese all come together in a single pot for easy comfort.
Each bite delivers creamy, saucy noodles, juicy chicken, and that dreamy golden, bubbly cheese top plus, the aroma fills your kitchen with pure, homey warmth. I first made this on a chilly night in my tiny kitchen, missing the bustling, laughter-filled family dinners of my childhood it instantly brought back the feeling of being gathered around the table, sharing stories and seconds.
What makes it special? You get all the flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan, but with less mess and far less fuss (hello, minimal cleanup!). Settle in, because you’re just a few simple steps away from a bowlful of feel-good, crowd-pleasing pasta.
Why This Cozy Pasta is a Weeknight Favorite
- Ultimate comfort in a single pot: Each spoonful is bubbling with creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and oozy cheese just like mama used to make, but so much easier.
- Minimal cleanup required: One pot means fewer dishes, which is a small sprinkle of joy for any tired home cook at the end of the day.
- Golden, melty mozzarella blanket: That glorious crispy cheese finish turns every serving into a crave-worthy, all-in-one meal.
- Irresistible, kitchen-filling aroma: The scent of garlic, herbs, and marinara calls everyone to the table, grownups and kiddos alike.
- Confidence-boosting simplicity: With approachable steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you can serve up cozy, Italian-inspired comfort even on your busiest weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Tender chicken is at the heart of this dish use bite-sized pieces for faster cooking and juicy results. - Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder
A blend of dried herbs and garlic builds warmth and layers of flavor throughout the pasta. - Yellow Onion & Fresh Garlic
Together, they form the sweet-savory base every craveable one-pot needs. Chop finely for the best melt-in texture. - Marinara Sauce
Choose your favorite jarred version, or go bold with a garlicky basil variety for extra depth. - Short-Cut Dried Pasta (Rigatoni or Penne)
Any sturdy shape works think spirals, ziti, or even shells to soak up all that sauce. - Parmesan & Mozzarella Cheese
For that bubbly, golden blanket up top. Try provolone or fontina if you love a twist! - Fresh Parsley or Basil
A shower of herbs at the end brightens every bite. - Breadcrumbs (optional garnish)
Toasted panko or Italian crumbs offer irresistible crunch if you’re feeling extra cozy.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Brown the Chicken
Start by warming a splash of olive oil in a big, cozy Dutch oven. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic and let them sizzle, stirring now and then until golden at the edges.
- Build the Flavor Base
Scoop the chicken out and toss in minced onion. That sizzling, savory aroma will fill your kitchen as the onion softens, then add minced garlic for a fragrant lift. - Make It Saucy
Pour in your favorite marinara, using a jar of water to catch every last bit. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle bubbly simmer. - Layer Pasta & Chicken
Add the chicken back along with uncooked pasta. Give it a good stir, making sure each piece is coated in that saucy goodness. Cover the pot. - Simmer & Stir
Let it cook, peeking in to stir every few minutes so nothing sticks. The pasta should end up perfectly tender and creamy not mushy! - Add Cheesy Goodness
Once the pasta’s just right, stir in parmesan and a handful of melty mozzarella. The sauce will turn luscious and dreamy.
- Create That Golden Blanket
Scatter more mozzarella across the top. Cover again for a couple minutes until it’s bubbling and gooey, just begging to be scooped. - Finish & Serve
Finish with fresh herbs if you want, and bring everyone in for that first cheesy forkful.
If you love creamy one-pot pastas, try my Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta next!
Tips for the Best Results
- Sear the Chicken for Flavor: Quickly browning the chicken pieces in your pot before anything else locks in tenderness and gives you those tasty golden bits that make the dish extra cozy.
- Watch the Pasta Texture: Stir every few minutes while the pasta simmers to coax out a creamy sauce and prevent sticking. Don’t leave it unattended overcooked pasta turns mushy fast.
- Add Flavorful Layers: Don’t skip the onion and fresh garlic sauté. This classic Italian base builds deep, comforting flavor you can smell through the kitchen.
- Finish with Broiled Cheese: For an irresistible bubbly top, uncover the pot and pop it under your oven’s broiler for just a minute or two. The cheesy finish is pure joy.
- Keep it Creamy: If the sauce thickens too much, splash in a bit of water, stir well, and serve hot. For more creamy inspiration, check out Creamy Garlic Chicken.
Flavor Variations & Simple Swaps
Turn up the heat: Like a little kick? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Calabrian chili paste with the marinara for bold, cozy spice that’ll warm you right up.
Veggie lovers’ dream: Toss in fresh baby spinach or florets of broccoli just before the pasta finishes cooking. The greens wilt into the bubbling sauce, adding color, nutrition, and a garden-fresh twist.
Cheese it up: For extra gooey moments, layer in provolone, fontina, or a bit of smoked gouda along with the mozzarella. You’ll fall hard for those melty, stringy cheese pulls.
Leftover magic: Swap in cooked rotisserie chicken or even turkey chunks for a speedy shortcut just tuck them into the sauce and let everything simmer together for comfort-soaked flavor.
Allergy-friendly tips: Use gluten-free penne or rigatoni and swap in your favorite dairy-free mozzarella and parmesan. The dish stays dreamy and comforting just a little lighter on the tummy.
Classic variation: Craving something even cozier? Hop over to Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi for another family-favorite twist!
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge Storage: Let your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta cool, then spoon leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll stay cozy and delicious for up to 3 days in the fridge, making next-day lunches a breeze.
- Freezing for Later: This pasta can be frozen! Just portion into freezer-safe containers. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the texture stays creamy, not soggy.
- Gentle Reheating: Warm leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or marinara. This keeps everything saucy and prevents the pasta from drying out.
- Lunchbox Magic: Pack chilled portions into microwave-safe containers for meal prep perfect for busy days or easy work lunches.
- Craving more cozy make-ahead dinners? Try my Hearty One Pot Stewed Chicken for another comforting, crowd-pleasing option.
Perfect Pairings for Your Comfort Bowl
- Buttery Garlic Bread: Serve slices straight from the oven the crackle of a crispy edge and rich, garlicky aroma will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Fresh Green Sides: Roasted green beans bring a sweet, blistered snap. For another veggie twist, try my Skillet Chicken and Green Beans as a hands-off side that pulls double-duty on the stovetop.
- Simple Salads: A handful of mixed greens with lemony vinaigrette wakes up the plate, balancing all that cheesy pasta goodness.
- Family-Style Sharing: Pile the chicken parmesan pasta in a big bowl and let everyone scoop their own portion, just like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s.
- Cozy Gathering Ideas: Serve with a chilled glass of white wine, a bowl of olives, or a basket of focaccia effortlessly elevating weeknight dinners or potlucks.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Add to hot pan and cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mostly cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- In the same pot, add minced onion. Cook 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in marinara sauce. Fill empty sauce jar with water and add to pot. Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce to a strong simmer.
- Add cooked chicken and dried pasta to the pot. Stir to combine. Cover with lid.
- Cook 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until pasta is cooked to desired tenderness. If mixture looks dry before pasta is done, add a splash more water.
- When pasta is tender, stir in parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of the mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle remaining ¾ cup mozzarella evenly over top. Cover and cook 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Can I make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta ahead of time?
You sure can! Cook the pasta as directed, then cool and refrigerate. Before serving, reheat gently with a splash of water or marinara to bring back that saucy, just-cooked coziness. It’s a real lifesaver for busy nights or cozy gatherings.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Keep an eye on your pot! Check the pasta for doneness a minute or two early, and give everything a good stir every few minutes. This helps the sauce coat each noodle and keeps the texture wonderfully creamy instead of overcooked.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh?
Absolutely, that’s a fantastic shortcut! Simply shred or chop rotisserie chicken and add it after the sauce has simmered. Let it warm through with the pasta so it soaks up every bit of that comforting flavor no need to brown it first.
What can I do if my sauce thickens too much while simmering?
Don’t worry if things get a bit thick just add a splash or two of water or extra marinara. Stir gently until you reach that luscious, spoonable texture. It’s an easy fix that brings everything right back to creamy, cheesy comfort.
