Name: One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 3 teaspoons minced garlic; 16 ounces short pasta noodles (penne, ziti, or cellentani); 30 ounce jar marinara sauce; 3 cups water; ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese; salt and pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons melted butter; ½ cup Italian style breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs + ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning); 1 ⅓ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; Fresh parsley, basil, or thyme

If you love dishes that are hearty, comforting, and hassle-free, then you’re in for a real treat with this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how everything cooks together in just one pan, making clean-up a breeze without skimping on flavor. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or want to impress guests without the fuss, this recipe will quickly become your new go-to for cozy weeknight dinners.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All-in-One Convenience: You cook everything in a single pot, which means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of marinara, mozzarella, parmesan, and butter creates irresistible cheesy goodness in every bite.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: The chicken pieces cook right in the sauce, staying juicy and flavorful without any fuss.
Quick and Family-Friendly: Comes together in just 30 minutes – ideal for busy weeknights when you need a crowd-pleaser pronto.

A close-up view of a black pot filled with three main layers: a base layer of orange-red cooked elbow pasta covered in thick tomato sauce, a middle layer of melted white cheese which is stringy and soft, and a top layer of golden brown breadcrumb topping sprinkled with tiny bits of green herbs. The dish is being scooped by a wooden spoon from the right side, lifting a mix of all layers, showing the melty cheese stretching. The pot rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, easy chicken pasta dinner, cheesy one-pot pasta, quick Italian comfort food, weeknight chicken pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a role in layering flavors and ensuring the pasta cooks perfectly without sticking. I always recommend using a good-quality marinara sauce because it really makes the dish shine.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks, a small mound of penne pasta, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl of minced garlic, a small white bowl of red marinara sauce, a small white bowl of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl of shredded parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of Italian style breadcrumbs, a small white bowl of melted butter, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning powder, a few whole garlic cloves, a few fresh parsley leaves, a few fresh basil leaves, a few fresh thyme sprigs, a small pile of whole black peppercorns, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, easy chicken pasta dinner, cheesy one-pot pasta, quick Italian comfort food, weeknight chicken pasta

Olive Oil: This is for sautéing the chicken and garlic, adding a subtle richness.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Chopped into bite-sized pieces so they cook through quickly and evenly.
Italian Seasoning: Adds classic herb flavor; I use it twice for better depth.
Garlic Powder: For a quick hit of garlic without overpowering fresh garlic’s vibrant aroma.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic boosts the sauce’s flavor beautifully.
Short Pasta Noodles (penne, ziti, cellentani): I prefer shapes that hold sauce well.
Marinara Sauce: The tomato base that ties everything together – go for your favorite jarred one or homemade.
Water: Helps cook the pasta and thin the sauce just right.
Mozzarella Cheese: Divided use for melting inside the pasta and topping it for gooeyness.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish inside the pasta.
Salt and Pepper: To season everything perfectly.
Butter: Mixed with breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunchy topping.
Italian Style Breadcrumbs: I love the crunchy contrast on top; if you don’t have Italian, just add some dried herbs to regular breadcrumbs.
Fresh Herbs (optional): Parsley, basil, or thyme make a gorgeous, fresh garnish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe my own by switching up the cheeses or veggies depending on the season. Feel free to personalize this recipe to suit your cravings or dietary needs!

Vegetable Boost: I’ve tossed in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color – just add them with the marinara sauce so they cook nicely.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives the dish a little zip that my family adores.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions and it still turns out fantastic.
Cheese Variations: I sometimes add a bit of provolone or fontina along with the mozzarella for a richer cheese pull.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken With Seasonings

Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or deep skillet. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and garlic powder on top, and sauté for about 5 minutes. The chicken won’t be fully cooked here—that’s okay because it’ll finish cooking later in the sauce. Just make sure you get a nice golden brown on the outside for maximum flavor. Then transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Build the Sauce and Start Cooking Pasta

In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—don’t rush this step, the aroma is the foundation of your sauce! Then pour in the marinara sauce along with 3 cups of water and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a high simmer.

Step 3: Add Pasta, Chicken, and Seasonings

To the simmering sauce, stir in the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, your pasta noodles, and the partially cooked chicken. Give everything a good stir to combine. Then cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 4: Melt Cheese and Prepare Breadcrumb Topping

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in parmesan cheese and half of your shredded mozzarella so they melt smoothly into the sauce. Meanwhile, combine melted butter and Italian-style breadcrumbs in a small bowl. This combo is going to give you that perfect golden crunch on top that makes this dish extra special.

Step 5: Broil with Cheese and Breadcrumbs

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta and cover to let the cheese melt for a couple of minutes. Then top with the breadcrumb mixture. If you’re using an oven-safe pot or skillet, pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the breadcrumbs are toasted and crispy. Don’t walk away here—breadcrumbs can burn quickly! If your pot isn’t oven-safe, simply toast the breadcrumb topping separately in a pan on the stove and then sprinkle it over your pasta before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Evenly Sized Chicken Pieces: Cutting the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces ensures they cook at the same pace for tender results.
Use a Good Quality Marinara: I’ve found that a flavorful sauce saves you from adding extra seasoning later and gives this dish authentic richness.
Don’t Skip Stirring: Occasionally stirring while the pasta cooks prevents sticking and promotes even cooking.
Watch the Broiler Closely: Breadcrumbs toast fast, so keep an eye to avoid burning and get the perfect golden crust.

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

The image shows two white bowls of baked pasta on a white marbled surface, each filled with a layered dish made from curved pasta coated in a thick red tomato sauce. The pasta layer is mixed with melted cheese that peeks through in some spots, topped with a golden crumbly layer, likely toasted breadcrumbs, and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. A silver fork rests inside the front bowl, with some sauce on its tines, and a woman's hand gently holding a utensil is partially visible in the upper right corner. Small bits of herbs are scattered on the white marbled surface around the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, easy chicken pasta dinner, cheesy one-pot pasta, quick Italian comfort food, weeknight chicken pasta

Garnishes

I always top mine with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a vibrant pop of color and brightness that balances the creamy cheese. A crack of fresh black pepper adds just the right finishing touch. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra parmesan if we’re feeling cheesy!

Side Dishes

This pasta stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or steamed green beans. I love adding a simple roasted vegetable like asparagus or broccoli for extra texture and nutrients on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving this pasta in mini individual cast-iron skillets, topping each serving with the toasted breadcrumb crust and a sprig of fresh basil. It looks classy but still feels like home-cooked comfort food, which always gets compliments every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they keep well for up to 3 days. The pasta soaks up sauce beautifully overnight, so the flavors actually deepen. Just make sure to cool it before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, I suggest skipping the breadcrumb topping first. Freeze the pasta in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh breadcrumbs or toast some after reheating – this keeps that crunchy topping fresh and delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual portions with a splash of water to loosen the sauce or warm gently on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally so the cheese doesn’t stick or dry out. Then top with freshly toasted breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of cheese to refresh that lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant instead. Consider adding extra cheese or even some plant-based protein for richness and substance.
What type of pasta works best for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or cellentani are ideal because they hold onto the sauce well and cook evenly in the one-pot method. Avoid thin pastas like angel hair, which can become mushy.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can chop the chicken and pre-measure ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta just before serving to maintain the best texture. Leftovers store well, so making extra is a smart move!
How can I make the breadcrumb topping crunchy without an oven?

No oven? No problem! Toast the butter-coated breadcrumbs in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy, then sprinkle over your pasta before serving.

Final Thoughts

My family goes crazy for this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe because it’s so flavorful yet effortless. I remember the first time I tried making chicken parm in a single pot—it was a game changer. No more juggling multiple pans or dreading the cleanup, just pure comfort on the plate. I really hope you give this recipe a try and love it as much as we do; it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table happily, fast. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!