Lazy Sunday One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering one-pot chicken parmesan pasta that promises a delightful dinner solution.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with crispy chicken and melted cheese.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Perfectly seasoned ingredients dance together in a single skillet, creating a harmonious meal.

Home cooks can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish without complicated techniques or extensive preparation.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will adore how quickly this recipe comes together.

Ingredients to Stock for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender meat that provides a hearty base for this one-pot meal.

• Pasta, Marinara Sauce: A classic combination that creates a comforting and flavorful foundation for the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and sharp cheeses that add richness and depth to the pasta.
• Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile with a balanced blend of heat and seasoning.

• Fresh Basil: A fragrant herb that adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

• Water: Helps cook the pasta and create the perfect sauce consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide to One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a large pot over medium-high flame. Drop the chicken pieces into the pot, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust.

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 2: Create the Pasta Base

Introduce pasta, marinara sauce, and water into the pot.

Stir everything together, ensuring the ingredients blend seamlessly. The liquid should coat the pasta evenly.

Step 3: Simmer and Transform

Crank up the heat until the mixture boils, then immediately lower it. Cover the pot and let everything simmer gently.

Watch the pasta transform into a perfectly tender al dente texture over 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Melt and Merge Cheeses

• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Stir continuously as the cheese melts, creating a creamy, rich sauce.

The mixture will thicken and become irresistibly glossy.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Flair

Scatter fresh basil leaves across the top of the dish.

Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the cheese is gloriously melted. Each bite promises a burst of Italian-inspired comfort.

Tips & Tricks for a Perfectly Cooked One-Pot Pasta

• Add extra protein like shredded rotisserie chicken or diced grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.
• Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas to create a delicious meatless version of this dish.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – start with a pinch and increase gradually for personalized flavor.
• Let cheese sit for a minute after stirring to ensure smooth, creamy melting throughout the pasta.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating with a splash of water to maintain pasta's moisture.

Creative Variations to Try on One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace marinara with salsa, add black beans, corn, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Chicken Pasta: Use sun-dried tomato sauce, add kalamata olives, feta cheese, and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-style meal.
• Creamy Alfredo Chicken Pasta: Substitute marinara with alfredo sauce, add spinach, and top with extra Parmesan for a rich, indulgent variation.
• Pesto Chicken Pasta: Switch marinara for homemade or store-bought pesto, add cherry tomatoes, and finish with pine nuts for a fresh, herbaceous dish.

What to Pair with One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Pair Perfectly with Zesty Citrus White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the cheesy pasta, balancing the dish's creamy texture with bright, refreshing notes.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to complement the pasta's robust flavors, adding a peppery crunch and tangy contrast to the rich chicken parmesan.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Crostini: Prepare thin, crispy garlic bread slices to scoop up extra sauce and provide a crunchy texture that enhances the one-pot meal's comforting profile.

Best Practices for Storing Leftover One-Pot Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for 3-4 days, keeping the pasta and chicken separate to prevent sogginess.

Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little water or sauce to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells. Just ensure they have similar cooking times.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This one-pot chicken Parmesan pasta reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick meals during the week.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or include some diced jalapeños when cooking the chicken to increase the heat level. Adjust according to your spice preference.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Definitely! Chicken breasts work great in this recipe. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Why It’s a Game Changer

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Eliminate multiple pots and pans with this single-pot wonder that combines chicken, pasta, and cheese in one streamlined cooking process.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved flavors like marinara and melted cheese, this dish guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Deliver a restaurant-quality chicken parmesan experience without extensive cooking skills or complicated techniques, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, swap herbs, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core.

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering one-pot chicken parmesan pasta, blending Italian-inspired flavors with simple home cooking. Cheesy, herby, and packed with juicy chicken, this dish delivers a complete meal that satisfies hunger and delights senses in one delectable skillet.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in a large pot over medium-high heat at 375°F until golden brown and slightly crispy, creating a rich caramelized exterior.
2. Pour marinara sauce and water directly over the chicken, ensuring even liquid distribution throughout the pot.
3. Add uncooked pasta into the liquid, gently stirring to prevent sticking and create a uniform mixture.
4. Increase heat to high, bringing the entire mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low.
5. Cover the pot and allow contents to simmer for 11-13 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from clumping or sticking to bottom.
6. Test pasta for desired tenderness, ensuring it reaches perfect al dente consistency with slight resistance when bitten.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface, allowing them to melt and create a creamy, luxurious texture.
8. Incorporate red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, stirring gently to distribute spice evenly throughout the dish.
9. Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and cheese to fully integrate with other ingredients.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves, providing a bright, aromatic finish to the one-pot meal.

Notes

• Choose lean chicken breasts for a healthier version of the dish, trimming excess fat before cooking.
• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Use low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt intake and customize the flavor profile.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini during the simmering stage for increased nutrition and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 491 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg