One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Hello, pasta lovers! If you’re looking for an easy, cheesy, and flavorful dinner idea that doesn’t require a sink full of dishes, then you’re in the right place. This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey cheese, all in a rich marinara sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest and is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into this simple and delicious recipe.

Introduction

One-pot meals are a lifesaver for busy weeknights. With just one pan, you can create a hearty and satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup. One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta takes all the flavors of classic chicken parmesan and turns them into a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for the whole family. This recipe is not only time-efficient but also budget-friendly, making it ideal for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. From the seasoned chicken to the cheesy, saucy pasta, every bite is packed with comforting goodness.

Ingredients

To prepare this flavorful dish, you’ll need the following:

2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 medium yellow onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
16 oz dried short-cut pasta (e.g., rigatoni)
24 oz jar of marinara sauce (e.g., Newman’s Own)
Water to fill the empty marinara sauce jar
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional
Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced for garnish

These ingredients are easy to find and can be adjusted based on your preferences or dietary needs.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Follow these steps to create this delicious one-pot meal:

In a large pot or skillet (like a Dutch oven), drizzle olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, releasing a rich aroma that sets the base for the dish.

Pour in the marinara sauce. Once the jar is empty, fill it with water, swish it around to capture all the sauce remnants, and pour the water into the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a strong simmer.

Add the chicken back to the pot along with the dried pasta. Stir to ensure everything is combined, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensure even cooking. The pasta will absorb the flavors as it cooks.

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the dish.

Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey. If you like a golden, bubbly cheese topping, briefly broil the dish in the oven.

Finish with a sprinkle of additional Italian seasoning, if desired. Garnish with freshly minced parsley or basil for a burst of freshness and color. Serve hot, and enjoy your cheesy, saucy masterpiece.

Helpful Tips

Use short-cut pasta like rigatoni, penne, or rotini, as they cook evenly in one pot and hold the sauce well.

If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onion and garlic.

For extra flavor, sear the chicken pieces until golden before removing them from the pot.

To make the dish lighter, opt for whole-wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheeses.

If you’re out of marinara sauce, you can substitute with tomato sauce and season it with oregano, basil, and a pinch of sugar.

Cooking Tips

A nonstick or heavy-bottomed pot works best to prevent sticking and ensures even heat distribution.

Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks, as cooking times may vary depending on the brand and shape of the pasta.

Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. A pinch of salt or a dash of pepper can make all the difference.

Serving Suggestions

This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a hearty meal on its own, but you can enhance your table with a few side dishes:

Serve with a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Add a side of garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the extra sauce.
Pair with a glass of red wine like Merlot or Chianti for an elevated dining experience.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 620 kcal
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 850mg
Potassium: 900mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 8g
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 15%

This dish offers a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats, making it a satisfying meal that can fit into various diets.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or marinara sauce to refresh the consistency. You can also microwave individual portions on medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Leftover pasta can be repurposed into a baked pasta dish by adding more cheese on top and baking at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety and check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free.

What other types of cheese can I use? While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, you can add a touch of provolone or Gruyère for a richer flavor.

Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or diced zucchini can be added along with the chicken for extra nutrients and flavor.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works well. Add it to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this one-pot meal, try these other comforting pasta recipes:

Conclusion

There you have it—a complete guide to making One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta! With its cheesy, saucy goodness and effortless cleanup, this dish is a winner for any night of the week. Perfect for families, couples, or even meal prep, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Try it out and let us know how it turned out. Happy cooking!