Tired of juggling multiple pots and pans just to get dinner on the table? I’ve been there too.

This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the solution you’ve been searching for a complete meal that delivers all the classic Italian flavors you love with minimal cleanup.

As part of the Cooks Foody team, Elizabeth has perfected this recipe through countless test kitchen trials. What began as a way to simplify her weeknight cooking routine has evolved into one of our most requested recipes.

The magic happens when the pasta cooks directly in the tomato sauce, absorbing all those wonderful flavors while creating the perfect texture.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making this family-favorite dish – from ingredient selection to pro tips for perfectly cooked chicken, plus flavor variations to keep things interesting week after week.

Why This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Works

● Uses budget-friendly boneless chicken breasts that stay tender and juicy
● Requires just 20 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy weeknights
● Creates restaurant-quality flavor with basic pantry ingredients
● Minimizes cleanup with the single-pot cooking method
● Appeals to both adults and picky eaters alike

Choosing the Right Ingredients for One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Best Chicken for This Recipe

For this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook quickly and evenly, absorbing the rich tomato and herb flavors. Look for moderately sized breasts (about 6-8 oz each) for the most tender results.

Buying Tips

When selecting chicken for your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, look for pieces with a pinkish color (never gray) and minimal water in the package. If possible, choose air-chilled chicken, which typically has better texture and flavor than water-chilled options.

Substitutions

If chicken breasts aren’t available, boneless thighs work beautifully in this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta they’ll add even more richness, though cooking time may increase slightly. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with 8 oz of sliced mushrooms or a can of drained white beans.

Ingredients & Prep for One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Easy 20-Min Dinner Magic!

Chicken Prep Essentials

Before cooking your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes for quicker cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously with salt and pepper before adding to the pot.

Flavor Components

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
2½ cups chicken broth
8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish

Pantry Staples

Keep your kitchen stocked with dried pasta, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth the foundation of this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. Italian seasoning blend saves time, but individual dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme work too.

Step-by-Step One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Dice chicken into 1-inch cubes and season with salt and pepper
Prepare all vegetables (dice onion, mince garlic)
Measure out all remaining ingredients before starting to cook
Have cheese grated and ready for the final step

Cooking Method for One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat
Add chicken pieces and cook until just browned on all sides (about 3-4 minutes)
Add onions and cook until softened (about 2 minutes)
Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 30 seconds
Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine
Add uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in liquid
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low
Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente

Doneness Check for One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is ready when the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente) and the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. The sauce should be slightly thickened but still saucy. If too thick, add a splash more broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.

Finishing Your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top
Cover and remove from heat, letting sit for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving

Pro Tips for Perfect One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Avoiding Dry Chicken in Your Pasta

The secret to juicy chicken in your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is not overcooking it initially. Brown the chicken pieces just on the outside, as they’ll continue cooking in the sauce. Using slightly larger chunks also helps prevent the meat from drying out.

Looking for more creative one-pot meals? Check out our Peach Butter Swim Biscuits for a delicious dessert option!

Tool Recommendations

For the best One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, use a wide, heavy-bottomed pan with tall sides. Cast iron Dutch ovens or deep stainless steel sauté pans distribute heat evenly and prevent burning. A long-handled wooden spoon is perfect for stirring without scraping the pan.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness. Microwave on 70% power, stirring halfway through, or gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

Find inspiration for your next dessert with our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs they’re perfect for holiday entertaining!

Flavor Variations for One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Spicy One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Transform your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta with a kick of heat by doubling the red pepper flakes or adding 2 tablespoons of chopped jarred hot cherry peppers. For serious heat lovers, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of calabrian chili paste when adding the tomatoes.

Healthier Version

Make your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta more nutritious by using whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta. Add 2 cups of baby spinach or chopped kale during the final 2 minutes of cooking for added vegetables. Reduce cheese by half and top with nutritional yeast for a lower-fat option.

Global Flavors

Variation	Key Ingredients	Cheese Recommendation
Mediterranean	Add olives, capers, artichokes	Feta instead of mozzarella
Mexican	Add corn, black beans, taco seasoning	Monterey jack and cotija
Greek	Add spinach, dill, lemon zest	Crumbled feta cheese
Tuscan	Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach	Pecorino Romano

Serving Suggestions for One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Complete your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta meal with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For heartier appetites, serve with garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping in the sauce. A side of steamed or roasted broccoli adds nutrition and color to the plate.

For a sweet ending to your meal, try our Peach Butter Swim Biscuits they’re a perfect comfort food dessert!

Looking for more dinner inspiration? Check out our collection of easy weeknight recipes on Pinterest where we share family-friendly meals that actually get eaten!

FAQs About One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Can I use different pasta shapes for One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta?

Yes! You can substitute other medium-sized pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or bow ties. Avoid very small pasta (like orzo) or very large shapes (like lasagna noodles). Cooking times may vary slightly based on pasta shape and thickness.

Can I make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta ahead of time?

This dish is best made fresh, but you can prepare it up to the point of adding cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove with a splash of broth, then add cheese and finish as directed. The pasta may absorb more liquid during storage.

Is this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months, the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze in individual portions and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating with a little extra broth or water.

Bringing One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta To Your Table

Now that you’ve mastered this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, dinner challenges just got easier! With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dish proves that delicious, homemade meals don’t have to be complicated.

Try this recipe tonight and join thousands of Cooks Foody followers who’ve made this a regular in their meal rotation. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one pot is truly dinner magic!

Remember to share your One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta creation with us by tagging #CooksFoody on social media we love seeing your kitchen successes!

One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Easy 20-Min Dinner Magic!