One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This satisfying one-pot meal brings together juicy chicken, rigatoni pasta, marinara sauce, and a duo of cheeses for rich, comforting flavor. The chicken is seared with Italian seasoning, then simmered alongside pasta to absorb the tangy tomato sauce. Topped with a blend of mozzarella and parmesan, the dish finishes under a steamy lid until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey. Fresh parsley or basil add a pop of color and freshness. Easy to prepare and ideal for busy nights, it delivers classic Italian-inspired flavors with minimal cleanup.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Thu, 24 Jul 2025 22:33:23 GMT
A delicious One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. Save
A delicious One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. | lilicooks.com

Big one pot flavor and barely any cleanup This pasta brings the cozy comfort of chicken parmesan to a weeknight table in less than thirty minutes It is my family’s answer when we want something cheesy and saucy but are short on time and patience for dishes

When I first threw this meal together on a hectic evening my whole family raved and now it is our go-to “everybody’s happy” dinner

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender pieces that soak up the flavor Use the freshest you can find
  • Italian seasoning: A classic blend that brings the iconic chicken parm flavor Look for a mix with real herbs
  • Garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of savory depth Choose a fine powder for even distribution
  • Yellow onion: Builds the flavor foundation Chop fine so it melts into the sauce
  • Fresh garlic: Gives the dish that signature aroma and extra punch Pick firm fresh cloves
  • Dried short-cut pasta: Rigatoni or another sturdy shape holds sauce and bites of chicken well
  • Marinara sauce: Brings all the saucy richness Use a brand with real tomatoes and herbs for best taste
  • Water: Added to the pot so the pasta cooks tender right in the sauce Use filtered water if possible
  • Mozzarella cheese: Provides melt and gooey texture Shred your own from a block if you can for best melt
  • Parmesan cheese: Brings salty and nutty flavor Freshly grate if possible for best results
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning Taste as you go and adjust
  • Italian seasoning extra: Adds a fresh herbal boost if you want
  • Fresh parsley or basil: Fresh herbs for color and freshness right before serving Pick vibrant leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Chicken:
Dice boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite sized chunks Pat them dry and season with salt pepper Italian seasoning and garlic powder Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy skillet over medium high Cook the chicken pieces for about five minutes stirring often until they are just about cooked through but not browned Remove them to a plate so they stay tender
Sauté the Aromatics:
Without cleaning the pot add finely minced onion and garlic to the remaining oil Lower the heat to medium Cook for two to three minutes stirring so nothing burns The onion should soften until translucent and the garlic should smell fragrant
Build the Sauce:
Pour in a full jar of your favorite marinara sauce Fill the empty jar with water and add it to the pot Stir well Raise the heat and bring everything to a gentle boil The water helps the pasta cook and gives the right saucy consistency
Add Chicken and Pasta:
Add the mostly cooked chicken and all the dry pasta to the bubbling sauce Stir to coat everything well Turn the heat down so the sauce simmers strongly Cover and cook for ten to fifteen minutes Stir now and then to keep the pasta from sticking Check the pasta for doneness it should be tender and saucy
Melt in the Cheese:
Once the pasta is ready stir in Parmesan and about a quarter cup of mozzarella cheese Use a spoon to blend the cheese thoroughly into the hot pasta
Finish and Serve:
Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella over the pasta Cover for another two to three minutes so the cheese melts and becomes gooey Garnish with extra Italian seasoning and fresh parsley or basil Serve hot right from the pot
A close up of a delicious one pot chicken parmesan pasta. Save
A close up of a delicious one pot chicken parmesan pasta. | lilicooks.com

You Must Know

  • High in protein chicken and cheese make this a satisfying dinner
  • Pasta cooks right in the sauce which saves time and boosts flavor
  • This meal reheats like a dream for lunch or another dinner

My favorite part is the mozzarella on top bubbling out of the oven When I was a kid my grandma made baked pasta every Sunday so the smell takes me right back

Storage Tips

Let your chicken parmesan pasta cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days To reheat just warm it gently on the stove with a splash of water or in the microwave Many say the flavors get even better after a night in the fridge

Ingredient Substitutions

No chicken breasts Use boneless chicken thighs for a bit more richness Gluten free pasta can swap in for regular just keep an eye on the cooking time For a lighter version use part skim cheeses or swap half of the pasta with spiralized zucchini

Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette cuts the richness Garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for scooping up extra sauce If you want some color roasted broccoli or peas add a nice veggie boost

A close up of a delicious One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. Save
A close up of a delicious One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. | lilicooks.com

Cultural or Historical Context

Chicken parmesan is a beloved Italian American dish often made by breading and frying chicken then oven baking it with sauce and cheese This one pot pasta captures those same flavors in a faster homestyle way The ease of using just one pot really shows how classic recipes can fit into busy weeknights

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can swap the rigatoni for penne, ziti, or another short-cut pasta, but adjust cook time to suit the pasta shape.

→ What can I use instead of chicken breasts?

Boneless chicken thighs work great and add more flavor and tenderness to the dish.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the pasta occasionally after adding it to the pot and ensure there is enough liquid for it to cook evenly.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It tastes best fresh, but leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.

→ Is it possible to make this meal vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the chicken and add more vegetables or plant-based protein for a savory vegetarian option.

One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and marinara combine in a single pot for fuss-free weeknight comfort.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
02 1 tsp Italian seasoning
03 1/2 tsp garlic powder
04 1 medium yellow onion, minced
05 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 16 oz dried short-cut pasta
07 24 oz jar marinara sauce
08 Water to fill empty marinara sauce jar
09 1 cup mozzarella cheese
10 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
11 Salt, to taste
12 Pepper, to taste

→ Optional Ingredients

13 Additional dried Italian seasoning
14 Fresh parsley, minced for garnish
15 Fresh basil, minced for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, and cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.

Step 02

Add minced onion and garlic to the same pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Pour marinara sauce into the pot. Fill the empty marinara jar with water, then pour it into the pot. Bring to a boil before reducing to a strong simmer.

Step 04

Add cooked chicken and uncooked pasta to the pot. Stir, cover the pot, and cook for 10-15 minutes or until pasta reaches the desired texture.

Step 05

Stir in parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese.

Step 06

Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Step 07

Sprinkle dish with additional Italian seasoning if desired and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately.

Tips

  1. For best results, use high-quality marinara sauce and freshly grated cheese.

Required Tools

  • Large pot or skillet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (mozzarella and parmesan cheese)
  • May contain gluten (depending on pasta and marinara sauce used)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~