This one pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is rich, saucy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Tender chicken, pasta, and a simple tomato sauce cook together and finish with plenty of melted cheese. It is a simple way to bring classic chicken parmesan flavors into a cozy pasta dish.
Why You Need To Make This Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Family-friendly flavors: This recipe keeps things simple with chicken, pasta, marinara, and plenty of cheese. It is easy to serve something everyone will actually eat without complaints.
- Balanced and filling: You have protein, pasta, and sauce all in one dish, so it holds everyone over without needing extra sides.
- No burning or babysitting: Everything cooks in one pot with minimal hands-on time, so you are not stuck at the stove worrying about something overcooking.
I make some version of a one pot pasta at least once a week. Whether it is my Sloppy Joe Pasta or my Chicken Fajita Pasta, they are always simple and comforting. This one brings all the classic chicken parmesan flavors into a rich, cheesy pasta without needing to fry anything.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chicken breasts – You can swap with boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a slightly richer flavor.
- Salt and pepper – No substitutions.
- Avocado oil – Any neutral cooking oil will work, like olive oil or canola oil.
- Garlic – Fresh is best, but you can use jarred minced garlic if needed.
- Marinara sauce – Use your favorite store-bought brand or about three cups of homemade.
- Chicken broth – You can use regular or low-sodium depending on your preference.
- Penne pasta – Any short pasta like rigatoni or ziti will work.
- Italian seasoning – You can mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme if you do not have a blend.
- Mozzarella cheese – Shredded is what I used, but you could also use fresh mozzarella if you prefer.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated gives the best flavor, but pre-grated works too.
Mandy’s Top Tip
For the best melt, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded. Bagged cheese has anti-clumping agents that keep it from melting as smoothly, so freshly shredded cheese gives you that creamy texture and classic cheese pull.
Tips for Success
Cut evenly – Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and stays tender.
Stir occasionally – Give the pasta a few stirs as it cooks to keep it from sticking to the bottom.
Control the heat – Keep everything at a gentle simmer so the pasta cooks through without the liquid reducing too fast.
Add cheese at the end – Stir in the cheese off the heat or at very low heat so it melts smoothly and does not clump.
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Pasta
This recipe is simple to make and all cooks in one pot. First, you will cook the chicken until lightly browned, then add the garlic, sauce, broth, and pasta. Let everything simmer until the pasta is tender, then finish with cheese.
Brown the seasoned chicken.
Stir well.
Add the cheese.
Add pasta and liquids
Simmer until pasta is al dente.
Cover until cheese is melty.
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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces dry penne pasta
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded (divided)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, then stir in the pasta and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Remove from the heat, then stir in 1/2 cup of mozzarella and the parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top, cover, and let it melt before serving.
Notes
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Let the pasta cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Nutriton
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated based on automated calculations and should be considered as an approximation. These estimates are provided as a courtesy. Please use your own brand’s nutritional values to verify accuracy.