Description
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and rich marinara sauce all cooked together in one pot. Topped with melted mozzarella, parmesan, and crispy breadcrumbs, this easy and satisfying meal can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 16 ounces short pasta noodles (penne, ziti, or cellentani)
- 30 ounce jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
Cheeses and Toppings
- 1 ⅓ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- ½ cup Italian style breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs + ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning)
- Optional: fresh parsley, basil, or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil then add chicken pieces. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the chicken. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic and Prepare Sauce: Add minced garlic to the same pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce and water and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a high simmer.
- Add Pasta and Chicken: Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, uncooked pasta noodles, and the partially cooked chicken. Give everything a good stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer Pasta: Cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Cheeses: Remove the lid and stir in the parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: While the pasta cooks, mix melted butter and breadcrumbs in a small bowl to coat thoroughly.
- Top and Broil: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese atop the pasta, cover until cheese melts. Then, sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Transfer the pot to the oven and broil for 1-2 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden and toasted. If your pot isn’t oven-safe, toast the breadcrumbs separately in a pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, then sprinkle over the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or thyme and cracked black pepper if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta.
Notes
- This recipe is one of the easiest and most flavorful one-pot pasta dishes you can prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Using one pot reduces cleanup and intensifies flavor as the chicken, pasta, and sauce cook together.
- You can use any short pasta shape such as penne, ziti, or cellentani depending on preference.
- If you prefer a crispier breadcrumb topping but lack an oven-safe pot, toasting breadcrumbs in a skillet before topping works perfectly.
- Fresh herbs are optional but add a nice pop of color and fragrance when serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 687 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1300 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 73 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 99 mg
