Irresistible One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe For Busy Nights

Crafting a delectable one-pot chicken parmesan pasta transforms weeknight dinners into a culinary adventure.

Hearty ingredients mingle effortlessly in a single skillet, creating magic with minimal cleanup.

Tender chicken, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a symphony of flavors.

Italian-inspired comfort beckons with each twirl of your fork.

Busy home cooks rejoice in this simplified approach to a classic dish.

Layers of marinara, golden chicken, and gooey mozzarella promise a meal that satisfies deeply.

Ready to savor every mouthwatering bite?

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta That Saves Time

• Simplify Cooking Cleanup: This one-pot wonder means less dishwashing and more enjoying your meal, with everything prepared in a single pot for maximum convenience.
• Create Speedy Comfort: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines classic chicken parmesan flavors with pasta, delivering a satisfying meal without complex preparation steps.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding extra vegetables, changing cheese types, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, hearty combination of tender chicken, pasta, and rich marinara sauce, making mealtime a delightful shared experience.

Ingredients for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying base for the pasta dish.

• Pasta: A classic Italian pasta that absorbs the rich marinara sauce and creates a comforting meal.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that brings robust Italian flavors to the dish.
• Water: Helps cook the pasta and create the perfect sauce consistency.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A mild, melty cheese that adds creamy texture and richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, aged cheese that provides a deep, savory flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and pasta.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: A fragrant herb that provides a fresh, aromatic finish to the meal.

How to Cook One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Easily

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Warm up a large pot over medium-high heat. Drop in the chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown and develop a beautiful crispy exterior.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 2: Create the Pasta Base

Toss in the pasta, marinara sauce, and water into the same pot.

Give everything a good stir to make sure the ingredients are well combined and getting cozy together.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat.

Cover the pot and let it simmer gently. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta reaches that dreamy al dente texture that’s soft but still has a slight bite.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheesy Goodness

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes

Let everything mingle and melt for 2-3 minutes until the cheese creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that hugs each pasta strand.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle some fresh basil on top for a burst of herbal freshness. Scoop into bowls and get ready to dive into this ultimate comfort meal that comes together in just one pot!

Tips to Nail One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Every Time

• Add extra diced chicken or swap with turkey for a leaner protein option.
• Use gluten-free pasta and check marinara sauce ingredients to make this dish celiac-friendly.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level or replace with smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
• Double the recipe and store leftovers in airtight containers for easy lunches or quick dinners during busy weeks.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone or fontina for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Flavorful Twists for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace marinara with salsa, add black beans, corn, and swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese. Sprinkle with cilantro for extra zesty flavor.
• Mediterranean Chicken Pasta: Use olive oil, add diced tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Incorporate oregano and spinach for a Greek-inspired meal.
• Creamy Alfredo Chicken Pasta: Substitute marinara with heavy cream and garlic, use white cheddar instead of mozzarella. Top with crispy bacon bits for rich texture.
• Pesto Chicken Pasta: Replace marinara with homemade or store-bought pesto, add sun-dried tomatoes, and mix in ricotta cheese for creamy consistency.

Pairings That Balance One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Enhance Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the tomato sauce and cuts through the cheesy richness perfectly.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a crisp amber ale or hoppy IPA that balances the pasta's savory flavors and provides a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, tomato-based dish.
• Fresh Salad Match: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and cut through the pasta's heaviness, creating a balanced meal experience.
• Herbal Drink Option: Brew a fresh basil-infused iced tea that echoes the basil garnish and offers a cool, herbaceous backdrop to the warm, cheesy pasta.

Best Storage Practices for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Stays good for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

Pour pasta into skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of water or extra marinara sauce. Stir gently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with other shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of water.

• How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally during cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot to keep the pasta from clumping together.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering one-pot chicken parmesan pasta, blending Italian-inspired flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness. Perfectly balanced and quick to prepare, you’ll savor every delicious bite of this satisfying weeknight dinner solution.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature, searing chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes per side.
2. Sprinkle chicken with kosher salt and cracked black pepper during cooking to enhance flavor profile.
3. Pour marinara sauce and water directly into the pot with browned chicken, ensuring complete liquid coverage of the meat.
4. Add uncooked pasta to the liquid mixture, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly and prevent sticking.
5. Bring entire mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
6. Simmer contents for 11-13 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from clumping or burning at the bottom.
7. Check pasta tenderness by testing a piece; it should be soft yet retain a slight firmness characteristic of al dente preparation.
8. Incorporate mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses into the hot pasta, stirring continuously to create a creamy, smooth texture.
9. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, mixing thoroughly to distribute spice evenly throughout the dish.
10. Allow cheese to melt completely, creating a rich, glossy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
11. Finish by garnishing with fresh torn basil leaves, adding a bright, aromatic element to the final presentation.
12. Serve immediately while the dish remains hot and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Notes

• Customize chicken thickness by pounding to ensure even cooking and faster preparation time.
• Select low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt levels and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly meal without compromising taste or texture.
• Experiment with different protein alternatives like shredded rotisserie chicken or plant-based chicken for quick weeknight variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 426 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 502 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg