One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Description:

This comforting, one-pot version of Chicken Parmesan turns the classic Italian-American favorite into an easy, cheesy, pasta-filled dinner. Juicy pieces of chicken, tender pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together in a single pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Origin:

Inspired by Chicken Parmigiana, a popular Italian-American dish, this one-pot version is a modern twist that emerged from the demand for quick, hearty weeknight meals. It blends the flavors of traditional Chicken Parmesan with pasta and convenience.

Ingredients Quantity:

Main Ingredients:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – 1.5 lbs (680g), cut into bite-size pieces
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves
Onion (finely chopped) – 1 small
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
Red pepper flakes (optional) – ¼ tsp
Uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well) – 12 oz (340g)
Chicken broth – 3 cups (720ml)
Marinara sauce – 2 cups (480ml)
Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 ½ cups (170g)
Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup (50g)
Fresh basil or parsley (chopped) – for garnish

Optional Ingredients:

Crushed tomatoes or tomato paste (for deeper tomato flavor)
A splash of cream for richness
Panko breadcrumbs (toasted and sprinkled on top for classic “crunch”)
Spinach or zucchini (for added vegetables)

Instructions:

1. Sear the chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook until lightly browned (about 4–5 minutes), then remove and set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics:

In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté onion until soft (about 3 minutes).
Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add pasta and liquids:

Pour in uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and marinara sauce. Stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

4. Add chicken and cheese:

Return cooked chicken to the pot and mix.
Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan until melted.
Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Cover for 2–3 minutes until cheese is gooey and melted.