One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Have you ever craved the rich, comforting flavors of chicken parmesan but felt overwhelmed by the mess and time involved? What if you could enjoy this classic Italian-American favorite in a fraction of the time, with only one pot to clean? That’s exactly what this Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe offers all the delicious flavors of traditional chicken parm transformed into a convenient, one-pot wonder.

This One pot chicken parmesan combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese into a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 medium onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
3 cups chicken broth
12 ounces penne pasta (or similar short pasta)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Possible Substitutions:

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and juiciness
Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version
Replace panko with regular breadcrumbs (though the crunch factor will be reduced)
Swap fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture and more decadent experience

Timing

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (chopping ingredients, measuring, and organizing)
Cooking Time: 25 minutes (30% faster than traditional chicken parmesan)
Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Medium (suitable for intermediate home cooks)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season and Brown the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and brown the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning chicken. Work in batches if necessary for the perfect sear that locks in moisture.

Create the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and reduce heat to medium. Add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop a deeper flavor profile.

Incorporate Liquids and Pasta

Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (these add incredible flavor). Bring to a gentle boil, then add the pasta and stir well. Return the partially cooked chicken to the pot, nestling the pieces into the pasta mixture.

Kitchen Insight: This one-pot method allows the pasta to absorb the savory flavors of the sauce while cooking, creating a more intensely flavored final dish than traditional methods.

Cook Until Tender

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente and chicken is fully cooked. Add a splash more broth if the mixture becomes too dry.

Add the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle mozzarella and half the Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan cheese and sprinkle over the cheese layer.

Broil to Perfection

Place the pot under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, let stand for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh basil before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 485 per serving
Protein: 34g (68% of daily recommended intake)
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 680mg (28% of daily recommended intake)
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 22% DV
Calcium: 24% DV
Iron: 15% DV

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this Chicken Parmesan Pasta into an even more nutritious meal with these smart swaps:

Use whole grain pasta to increase fiber content by 200%
Substitute ground chicken breast for traditional cuts to reduce fat by 30%
Add 2 cups of vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients
Use reduced-fat cheese to lower calories while maintaining that essential cheesy flavor
Try nutritional yeast in place of some Parmesan for a plant-based protein boost

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your One pot chicken parmesan with these complementary sides:

A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil adds a peppery contrast
Garlic bread or rosemary focaccia for sopping up extra sauce
Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus balance the richness of the dish
A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta – check it frequently as one-pot pasta cooks faster than you might expect
Not browning the chicken first – this crucial step develops depth of flavor that makes the dish special
Adding all the cheese too early, which can make it disappear into the sauce
Using low-quality tomatoes – the sauce is a key component, so invest in good crushed tomatoes
Forgetting to stir occasionally, which can lead to pasta sticking to the bottom of the pot

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to revive the sauce
For freezing, portion into individual containers and freeze for up to 2 months
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
The flavor actually improves over the first 24 hours as ingredients meld together

Conclusion

This One pot chicken parmesan takes a beloved classic and reinvents it as an approachable, weeknight-friendly meal without sacrificing flavor. By combining the crispy elements of traditional chicken parmesan with the convenience of a one-pot pasta dish, you get the best of both worlds in just 40 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with home cooking simplicity. Try it tonight and discover your new go-to pasta dish!

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare through the pasta cooking stage, refrigerate, then add cheese and breadcrumbs just before reheating and serving.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for the topping.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?
Absolutely. Add rotisserie or leftover chicken during the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm through.

Is it possible to make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Brown the chicken using the sauté function, then add all ingredients except cheese and breadcrumbs. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes with a quick release, then add cheese and breadcrumbs.

What’s the key to preventing the pasta from getting mushy?
Use good quality pasta and check it 2 minutes before the suggested cooking time. The pasta should be slightly firmer than al dente when you add the cheese, as it will continue cooking from residual heat.