Some of my best kitchen memories come from those busy weeknights when the clock ticks faster than I can cook. My family of four always wants something warm, filling, and fuss-free on the table, and over the years, I’ve learned to lean on meals that combine comfort with speed.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a recipe I discovered during a particularly hectic season, juggling work, school activities, and the endless dance of family life. Instead of pulling out multiple pots and pans, I wanted something simple, yet rich with flavor and satisfying enough to feel like a treat.
I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of garlic and marinara simmering together filled the whole house and drew my kids into the kitchen, hungry and curious. The creamy, cheesy finish sealed the deal—it’s like chicken parmesan and pasta had a delicious love child right in my favorite deep skillet.
Over time, I’ve tweaked this recipe to suit our tastes, making it both practical and a little indulgent. It’s now a go-to meal when I want to serve up comfort without the mess or fuss, and it never disappoints. If you love pasta dishes with bold, familiar flavors but prefer to keep it easy and budget-friendly, this recipe is definitely for you.
Short Description
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a hearty, comforting meal that combines tender chicken, savory marinara sauce, and cheesy pasta—all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup. This family-friendly dish offers rich Italian flavors with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients
- 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces dried short-cut pasta (rigatoni, penne, or ziti)
- 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1 jar of water (use the empty marinara jar)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Additional dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced, for garnish
Tools Needed
- Large pot, Dutch oven, or deep skillet with a lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is mostly cooked but not fully done. Remove chicken to a plate.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, add minced onion and garlic. Cook 2-3 minutes until onions are soft and translucent and garlic is fragrant. Add a bit more olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Water
Pour the marinara sauce into the pot with onions and garlic. Fill the empty marinara jar with water, swirl to get leftover sauce, and add the water to the pot. Stir and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return chicken to the pot. Add dried pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the sauce. Cover with a lid and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until pasta is tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Add Cheeses
Stir in Parmesan and ¼ cup mozzarella until melted and creamy. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly on top. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts. For a golden finish, broil in an oven-safe pot for 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle extra Italian seasoning if desired and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot, straight from the pot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pot meal – Less cleanup, more convenience.
Classic flavor – All the Chicken Parmesan taste, no frying.
Quick & easy – Minimal steps, ready in under an hour.
Budget-friendly – Simple ingredients that stretch a dollar.
Family favorite – Cheesy, hearty, kid-approved.
Versatile – Easy to customize with swaps or add-ins.
Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking Pasta: Keep a close eye during simmering and test frequently to avoid mushy noodles. If pasta cooks too fast or absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of water.
Chicken Not Cooking Through: Dice chicken uniformly and don’t overcrowd the pot. Cook chicken partially first, so it finishes cooking with the pasta.
Sauce Too Thick or Thin: Use the marinara jar to measure water accurately. If sauce thickens too much while simmering, add a bit more water. If it’s too watery, simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
Cheese Not Melting Properly: Stir cheese gently into hot pasta to melt evenly. For a bubbly top, use a broiler or tightly cover the pot to trap heat.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this pasta family-style, scooped directly from the pot for a cozy vibe.
It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
For drinks, a light Italian red wine or sparkling water with lemon works well. This dish shines as a main course but can also be part of a buffet or potluck.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.
Avoid microwaving straight from the fridge to prevent uneven heating and dryness; instead, cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, diced boneless chicken thighs work well. They add a bit more richness and stay tender during cooking.
2. What if I don’t have rigatoni or penne?
Any short pasta like ziti, shells, or even elbow macaroni will work fine.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a veggie-friendly version.
4. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir occasionally while cooking, and ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce.
5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Partially cook the chicken and prep ingredients in advance. Assemble and cook pasta fresh for the best texture.
Tips & Tricks
Use the empty marinara jar to measure water for perfect sauce consistency every time.
Fresh garlic and a good quality marinara sauce make a noticeable flavor difference.
If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes during sautéing.
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half with the cheese.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic and onions for a kick. Finish with pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of water to enhance flavor.
Low-Carb Swap: Substitute pasta for spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles. Reduce simmer time to avoid sogginess.
Creamy Alfredo Twist: Mix marinara and Alfredo sauce for a rich, pink sauce variation. Add spinach for extra greens.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta has become a favorite not just because it’s easy, but because it brings everyone around the table. The layers of garlic, herbs, and cheese create a dish that’s satisfying and comforting after a long day. I love how it requires minimal fuss but feels like a special meal, perfect for feeding my family without stress.
Sharing recipes like this reminds me how food connects us—bringing warmth, flavor, and laughter to everyday moments. I hope it becomes one of your family’s quick go-to dinners, offering the same cozy comfort it brings to mine.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Print ThisIngredients
- 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces dried short-cut pasta (rigatoni, penne, or ziti)
- 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1 jar of water (use the empty marinara jar)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Additional dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil over medium-high. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook for 5 minutes until mostly cooked. Remove from pot.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add minced onion and garlic to the same pot. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add more oil if needed.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Water
Pour in marinara sauce. Fill the empty jar with water, swirl, and add to the pot. Stir and bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return chicken and add pasta. Stir well, cover, and simmer 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Step 5: Add Cheeses
Stir in Parmesan and ¼ cup mozzarella until melted. Top with remaining mozzarella, cover, and cook 2–3 minutes until melted—or broil for a golden top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Add extra Italian seasoning if desired. Garnish with parsley or basil and serve hot.
