One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a quick and easy dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, hearty pasta, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. Best of all, it’s made in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves (minced)
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides (about 5–6 minutes). Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add chicken broth, marinara sauce, uncooked pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cover and cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover and cook for another 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrient Values (Per Serving)

(Makes approximately 6 servings)

Calories: ~380–420 kcal
Protein: ~28–32 g
Carbohydrates: ~40–45 g
- Fiber: ~3–4 g
- Sugars: ~6–8 g
Fat: ~10–12 g
- Saturated Fat: ~4–5 g
Cholesterol: ~70–85 mg
Sodium: ~650–750 mg
Calcium: ~200–250 mg
Iron: ~2–3 mg

The Appeal of Chicken Parmesan in Pasta Form

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved dish that brings together crispy chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. By transforming this classic into a pasta dish, it becomes more versatile and accessible. The pasta absorbs the marinara sauce, creating a cohesive dish where every bite is packed with flavor. The result is a comforting yet elegant meal that’s suitable for weeknight dinners or even casual gatherings.

The addition of chicken provides a hearty protein source, making the dish well-balanced and filling. The cheeses—mozzarella and Parmesan—offer a delightful gooey and savory finish, elevating the entire experience. With this recipe, you’re getting the essence of Chicken Parmesan with the ease and convenience of a pasta dish.

How This Recipe Saves Time and Effort

One of the standout features of this recipe is its efficiency. By cooking the pasta directly in the pot with the sauce and chicken, you eliminate the need for multiple pots and pans. This method also enhances the flavor, as the pasta absorbs the savory broth and marinara sauce while it cooks. Additionally, the use of minimal kitchen tools means less time spent scrubbing dishes afterward, which is always a win for busy households.

Flavor and Texture: A Perfect Harmony

The beauty of One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The chicken, browned at the start, develops a golden crust that adds depth to the dish. Meanwhile, the pasta becomes tender but not mushy, thanks to the careful balance of liquid and cooking time. The cheeses, added at the end, create a luscious, melted layer that ties everything together.

The Italian seasoning provides an aromatic base, while the garlic lends its characteristic pungency. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end adds a burst of freshness, enhancing both the flavor and presentation. The dish strikes a perfect harmony between savory, tangy, and creamy elements.

Tips for Perfecting Your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Choose the Right Pasta: Penne is a great choice for this dish, as its ridges hold the sauce beautifully. However, you can experiment with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli for a different texture.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure the pasta remains al dente. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, which detracts from the dish’s overall quality.
Season to Taste: Adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning according to your preference. If your marinara sauce is already highly seasoned, you may need less salt.
Add Vegetables for Variety: While the recipe is delicious as-is, consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains additives that prevent clumping, which can affect melting and flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and offers a richer taste.

Health Benefits of This Dish

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken is a lean protein source that supports muscle repair and overall health. The marinara sauce provides a dose of lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, which may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. The pasta contributes energy-boosting carbohydrates, and the addition of mozzarella and Parmesan offers calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

For those watching their calorie or sodium intake, small adjustments can make this recipe even healthier. Using whole-grain or chickpea-based pasta, low-sodium chicken broth, and reduced-fat cheeses are simple ways to tailor the dish to your dietary needs.

A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is incredibly versatile. It works equally well as a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option for busy schedules, or a comforting dish for a family gathering. You can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd or scale it down for a romantic dinner for two.

Its adaptability extends to dietary preferences as well. Swap out the chicken for plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version, or use gluten-free pasta for those with gluten sensitivities. The base recipe is a blank canvas for culinary creativity, making it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire.

Conclusion

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is more than just a convenient recipe—it’s a celebration of classic flavors made accessible to modern lifestyles. By combining tender chicken, flavorful marinara, perfectly cooked pasta, and melted cheese in one pot, this dish delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and delicious results make it a standout choice for busy families, novice cooks, and seasoned chefs alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

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