One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta – Easy, Cheesy & Comforting

Is there anything better than a big bowl of cheesy pasta on a busy weeknight? This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, saucy, and packed with flavor, all while keeping dishes to a minimum. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen hero without spending hours at the stove.

What I love most about this dish is how it brings everyone to the table. It’s hearty enough for the whole family, yet simple enough to throw together after work. Plus, since everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. It’s the same kind of magic you’ll find in other one-pan dinners that save time while still delivering bold flavors (here’s a great collection of one-pot recipes for inspiration). Trust me—this pasta will quickly become one of your weeknight go-tos.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together for a rich, comforting dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breast (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces) – Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up the flavors of the sauce. You can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – For browning the chicken and adding depth of flavor.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic gives the sauce its irresistible aroma.
• Onion (1 small, diced) – Adds sweetness and balance to the tomato base.
• Uncooked pasta (12 oz, penne or rotini work well) – Cooking the pasta right in the sauce makes it extra flavorful.
• Chicken broth (3 cups) – Infuses the pasta with savory depth while it cooks.
• Marinara sauce (2 cups) – Choose a quality jarred sauce or homemade for the best flavor.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – A simple spice blend that ties everything together.
• Salt & black pepper (to taste) – Enhances and balances the dish.
• Mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded) – Melty, gooey, and perfect for that cheesy topping.
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated) – Adds a salty, nutty finish to the pasta.
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish) – Brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe comes together in just one pot, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze. Here’s how to make it:

1. Brown the chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with a little salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on the outside (about 4–5 minutes). The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet—it will finish cooking with the pasta.
2. Sauté the aromatics
   Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and softened. This builds the flavorful base for the sauce.
3. Add the pasta and liquids
   Stir in the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together, making sure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid.
4. Simmer until tender
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Make it cheesy
   Stir in half of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan until melted and creamy. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top, cover again, and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and gooey.
6. Finish and serve
   Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Spoon into bowls and enjoy that cheesy, saucy goodness while it’s still hot.

Pro tip: If you like a golden, baked finish, transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish, top with extra mozzarella, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and slightly browned.

Tips & Variations

One of the best things about this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is how adaptable it is. With just a few swaps or add-ins, you can make it fit your taste, dietary needs, or even what you’ve got in the pantry.

Flavor Boosts

• Extra garlic lovers – Add an extra clove or two for a bold, aromatic punch.
• Spice it up – Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Herby twist – Stir in fresh basil, oregano, or thyme at the end for added freshness.

Ingredient Swaps

• Different protein – Swap chicken for ground turkey, sausage, or even shrimp.
• Veggie-packed – Stir in spinach, kale, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Cheese variations – Try provolone, fontina, or even a touch of ricotta for a creamier texture.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer – Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat – Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen up the sauce.

Pro tip: This dish thickens as it cools, so when reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to bring back that creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides can make the meal feel extra special. Here are some serving ideas to round out your table:

Classic Pairings

• Garlic bread or breadsticks – Perfect for scooping up that cheesy, saucy goodness.
• Side salad – A crisp Caesar or a simple mixed green salad balances the richness of the pasta.

Family-Style Dinner

• Roasted vegetables – Serve alongside roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a colorful plate.
• Caprese salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a light, fresh starter.

Hosting or Meal Prep

• Buffet-style – Keep the pasta warm in a Dutch oven and let guests serve themselves family-style.
• Leftovers for lunch – Pack into containers with a side of salad or roasted veggies for an easy meal prep option.

✨ Presentation tip: Serve in wide pasta bowls, top with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil, and place a basket of warm bread in the center of the table—it’s simple, cozy, and very Pinterest-worthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, rigatoni, or shells work best because they hold onto the sauce. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if your pasta cooks faster or slower.

2. Do I need to cook the chicken all the way before adding the pasta?
Nope! The chicken only needs to be browned on the outside. It will finish cooking as the pasta simmers in the sauce, which keeps it tender and juicy.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can definitely make it in advance. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat on the stovetop or in the oven with a splash of broth to loosen up the sauce.

4. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You could also swap in plant-based protein like chickpeas or a vegetarian sausage.

5. Can I freeze One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The stovetop works best—just warm gently over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water. An air fryer-safe dish or oven can also re-crisp the cheesy top layer if you baked it.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is proof that you don’t need a dozen pots and pans to create a meal that feels like comfort on a plate. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese, this dish has all the flavors of the classic Chicken Parmesan but with half the effort.

It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy weeknights, casual dinners with friends, or whenever you’re craving something cozy and satisfying. And the best part? Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot. If you’re looking for more inspiration for simple, family-friendly dinners, you’ll love this roundup of easy one-pot recipes

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