This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is creamy and comforting! With juicy chicken, cheesy goodness, and flavorful seasonings, it’s all cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
You won’t believe how easy this dish comes together. Just toss it all in and relax while it simmers. Perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something tasty without the fuss!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook quickly and evenly. You could use thighs for more flavor or even swap in firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings great flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Just remember: about 1/8 teaspoon of powder is equivalent to one clove of fresh garlic.
Pasta: I used penne, which holds onto the sauce nicely. If you don’t have it, rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti would work well. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Cheeses: Parmesan adds a salty kick while mozzarella gives that gooey pull. If you can’t find these, substitute with Pecorino Romano for a stronger taste and a mix of Monterey Jack and mozzarella.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
When cooking chicken, ensuring it’s browned and cooked through is vital for flavor. Start by heating your olive oil until it’s shimmering. This helps with searing.
- Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, checking for no pink in the center.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 cup marinara sauce
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
First, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and then add them to the pot. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. No one likes undercooked chicken!
2. Adding Flavor:
Once the chicken is nice and golden, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and the optional red pepper flakes to the pot. Cook this mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic smells amazing!
3. Cooking the Pasta:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Now, cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is soaked up. Perfectly cooked pasta makes all the difference!
4. Mixing in the Sauces and Cheese:
Stir in the marinara sauce, then add half of the grated Parmesan and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything well until the cheese is melted and everything is combined. Yum!
5. Final Cheese Topping:
Remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the pot for about 2 minutes to let that cheese melt beautifully. You’ll want to look at that gooey goodness!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Before serving, garnish your dish with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Now, it’s time to enjoy your delicious one pot chicken parmesan pasta. Dig in!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great in this recipe, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand—just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions. Shells, fusilli, or rotini would also be tasty alternatives!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the penne pasta for a gluten-free pasta alternative. Make sure that your chicken broth and marinara sauce are also labeled gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! You can easily incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just add them after cooking the chicken and sauté until they’re tender before adding the broth and pasta. This adds extra nutrition and flavor!
