Name: One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 medium yellow onion, minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 16 oz dried short-cut pasta (rigatoni or similar); 24 oz jar marinara sauce; Water (to fill empty marinara jar); 1 cup mozzarella cheese; ½ cup Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: extra dried Italian seasoning, fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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A hearty, comforting twist on classic chicken parmesan that comes together in a single pot—no breading, no fuss, and just 30 minutes to a delicious family dinner. I love how the pasta simmers right in the sauce with tender chicken, and the cheesy finish on top feels like a warm hug on a plate.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore that I can skip the breading step yet still get all the flavors of chicken parmesan. One pot means minimal cleanup, and the sauce-stirred pasta soaks up every bit of flavor. I can have it ready in around half an hour—perfect for busy weeknights.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
1 medium yellow onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
16 oz dried short-cut pasta (rigatoni or similar)
24 oz jar marinara sauce
Water (to fill empty marinara jar)
1 cup mozzarella cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: extra dried Italian seasoning, fresh parsley or basil for garnish

directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, drizzle olive oil and heat over medium-high. Add chicken pieces, seasoning with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook about 5 minutes, until nearly done, then remove to a plate.
Add onion and garlic to the pot; cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
Pour in the marinara, then use the empty jar to add water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Return chicken to the pot and stir in pasta. Cover and simmer 10–15 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Stir in Parmesan and ¼ cup mozzarella until combined. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, cover, and cook 2–3 more minutes until cheese melts and gooey.
Garnish with parsley, basil, or extra seasoning.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes about 6 generous servings
Total time: ~30 minutes
- Prep: ~10 minutes
- Cook: ~20 minutes

Variations

Add toasted panko breadcrumbs on top if I crave that crunchy texture.
Stir in vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or spinach halfway through cooking.
Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized veggies to fit dietary needs.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, I gently warm it on the stove with a splash of water or sauce to loosen it up. It reheats beautifully and makes a great next-day lunch.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best?

I recommend short, sturdy pasta—rigatoni, penne, ziti, or cellentani—since it holds up well during simmering and helps scoop up all that sauce.

Can I use frozen or pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! I just chop cooled cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it in step 4, reducing the simmer time slightly.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, with a note: I prefer freezing the chicken separately without cheese, then thawing and mixing with hot pasta and fresh cheese later to maintain texture.

How can I make it creamier?

I stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream right before adding the cheeses for an extra-rich sauce.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! I swap the chicken for chickpeas, white beans, or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini for a meatless version.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is my go-to when I want comfort food with minimal effort. It hits all the right notes—flavorful, cheesy, and easy to prepare and clean up. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, this recipe never disappoints.