This chicken parmesan pasta is made in one pot with tender chicken, marinara sauce, pasta and cheese. An easy go-to dinner ready in 30 minutes!
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
This one pot chicken parmesan pasta recipe takes all of the flavors of traditional baked chicken parmesan and turns it into a delicious bowl of saucy, cheesy, pasta. You don’t even need to know how to cook pasta because it cooks right in the marinara sauce!
This amazing chicken pasta skillet is made with chunks of juicy chicken seasoned with Italian seasoning, rigatoni smothered in a sauce, and covered in gooey cheese. It’s a comfort food favorite ready in 30 minutes!
Ingredient Notes
The pasta cooks in the pot with the sauce making this one pot chicken parmesan pasta recipe so easy to make!
- Chicken: I prefer boneless skinless chicken breasts but you could use thighs.
- Onion and garlic: Adds aromatic taste to this chicken parm pasta.
- Tomato sauce: Use your favorite brand or make homemade marinara sauce for an extra special touch.
- Pasta: I used rigatoni but penne is great or use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt and pepper for taste.
- Cheese: Shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Brown chicken: Add your bite sized chicken pieces in an even layer to a large skillet or dutch oven pot over medium-high heat. Season with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes, flip and cook an additional 2 minutes or until cooked through. Remove and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté aromatics: Add more oil to the same pan and add diced onion. Cook about 2 minutes and then add in the garlic. Cook an additional 1-2 minutes or until onions are translucent.
- Add pasta and sauce: Pour marinara and water into the pan, add the pasta, stir and cover to cook for about 12 minutes, stirring a couple of times throughout.
- Combine and serve: Add the chicken back into the pan, stir in the parmesan, and toss in about 1/3 cup of the mozzarella, stir to combine then top with remaining mozzarella cheese and place the lid on to cook for an additional 2 minutes so that the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- A medium sized pasta pot, a deep skillet or even your Dutch oven will work in this recipe.
- For a shortcut, use any leftover cooked pasta and cooked chicken. You could even use meatballs, like in my chicken Parmesan meatballs.
- To get your cheese golden brown, place it under the broiler for a minute. It’s an easy trick that makes a big difference in flavor and texture!
- Some people do love the crispy coating that bread crumbs give to the chicken, so use breaded chicken if you prefer.
- Add some red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for some heat.
- Mix up the cheeses and use only mozzarella or Parmesan. Try asiago or use a combination of whatever cheese you have on hand.
Storage
- Store leftover chicken parmesan pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freeze leftovers in a freezer safe container up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat. Texture of pasta may change.
More one pot pasta dishes include Instant Pot baked ziti, crockpot lasagna and chicken cordon bleu pasta
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One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
- 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts , diced into bite sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt , more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper , more to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2-4 cloves garlic , minced
- 10 ounces rigatoni
- 32 ounces marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese , more if desired
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
For serving: Chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
- Cook chicken. Drizzle 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or dutch oven pot. Heat over medium high heat. Then add 1 1/2 pounds diced chicken in an even layer. Sprinkle the salt, pepper and Italian seasoning over top. After 3-4 minutes, flip the chicken and cook an additional 2 minutes or until cooked through. Remove chicken and set on a plate. Cover and set aside.
- Saute onion and garlic. Add more oil to the pot if needed and then add in 1 cup onion. Cook about 2 minutes and then add in 2-4 Tablespoons garlic. Cook an additional 1-2 minutes or until onions are translucent.
- Pour in sauce and pasta. Add 32 ounces marinara and 3 cups water into the pot. Bring to a light boil and then reduce the heat to medium. Add in 10 ounces pasta. Stir and then cover with a lid and cook for about 12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. Stir once or twice.
- Assemble. Add the chicken back into the pot. Stir in 1/4 cup parmesan cheese and 1/3 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Melt remaining mozzarella. Finally, add the remainder of the mozzarella cheese on top. Place the lid on and cook an additional 2 minutes over low, or until the cheese is melted. You could also put under the broiler for a minute if desired. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve while warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, 30 Minute Meals, Chicken, Dinner, Italian, Nut-Free, One Pot, One Pot, Pasta, Stovetop
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
So good, easy. Added more spice, YUM!
Thanks for the review!
Is rotini noodles okay to use?!
Hi Trinity! Rotini or any type of noodle like that will work great :)
So quick and delicious. I did add spinach and mushrooms.
How much is a serving? Best Pasta dish I have ever made!!!
Depends on the pasta used, but about 2 cups
It was easy to make, with ingredients I had on hand. Everyone enjoyed it. I’m adding it to the rotation for sure!
So happy to hear that! Thanks for your comment and review, Britt :)
This is an awesome weeknight dinner! I made it in my Dutch oven and my 5 kiddos and husband all ate it all up and had seconds!
Yay! So happy to hear it was a hit with your family :)
Wow – great recipe I love how it all cooks in one pan!
So glad you enjoyed it :)
My family loves when this is on the menu!! My picky eaters love it! It’s creamy & delicious!
Delicious! My kids actually liked this better than actual chicken parmesan, and it’s so much easier. Thanks! :)
So glad to hear it was a hit :)