Name: One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta – Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 2 cups dry pasta (penne or rotini work great); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

There’s something comforting about tossing everything into one pot and watching dinner practically cook itself. That’s exactly the magic behind this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta. It hits that sweet spot between low effort and high reward. Busy night? Tired brain? This recipe’s got your back. I first threw this together on a random Tuesday when I was staring at a pack of chicken and a half-empty box of pasta. It was either this or cereal again. I went rogue, dumped it all in a pot with some tomato sauce, and crossed my fingers. Spoiler: It turned out so good, I now keep shredded mozzarella in my fridge just for this meal. It’s cheesy, saucy, and the clean-up is embarrassingly easy. And that golden, crispy Parmesan crust on top? Game over. If you’ve ever wished you could make something comforting, cozy, and actually edible in under 30 minutes, here’s your answer. This one’s a weeknight hero with flavor that fools you into thinking you tried way harder than you did.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
4) How to Make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
5) Tips for Making One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
6) Making One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Chicken Parmesan Pasta
8) Try these Dinners next!
9) One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This is a one pot recipe that keeps clean-up low and flavor high.
You can use pantry staples to whip this together quickly.
Melty mozzarella, tangy marinara, and a parmesan crust? Yes, please.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or easy meal prep.

2) Easy One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Let’s talk comfort. You know that moment when you realize dinner needs to happen, but your brain has already clocked out for the day? That’s when this easy chicken parmesan pasta steps up. With the rich flavor of marinara and the satisfying texture of melted mozzarella, this pasta turns ordinary ingredients into something special. You toss it all in one pot, walk away, and come back to cheesy goodness. It’s the kind of easy chicken dinner recipe that doesn’t feel lazy, just smart.

I pulled this together the first time with a leftover jar of marinara and some chicken that needed a purpose. I was hungry, grumpy, and craving something warm and filling. That first bite of cheesy, saucy pasta was a small triumph. I’ve been chasing that flavor again and again—and now I get it every time with this.

If you’re looking for quick and easy recipes, or if your fridge is running low but your standards are still high, this one pot chicken parmesan pasta is ready to rescue your night. It’s one of those easy recipes for dinner that actually hits the spot.

3) Ingredients for One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Olive Oil – This helps the chicken brown and keeps everything from sticking. Plus, it adds a bit of richness that brings the dish together.

Chicken Breast – Cut into cubes so it cooks quickly and evenly. You could swap in thighs if that’s what you’ve got—no one’s judging.

Salt and Black Pepper – Start simple. These build the foundation of flavor, so don’t skip them.

Garlic Powder and Onion Powder – These give the chicken a punch of flavor without chopping anything. Win.

Italian Seasoning – Adds that cozy, herb-forward flavor that says, “Yes, this is dinner you’ll want seconds of.”

Marinara Sauce – Use your favorite jar. It’s the soul of the dish. Smooth, tomato-rich, and just a little tangy.

Chicken Broth – This thins the sauce slightly so the pasta cooks properly. It also deepens the flavor.

Dry Pasta – Penne or rotini are my top picks. Something short and sturdy that holds sauce well.

Parmesan Cheese – Grated and ready to melt into golden, crispy glory on top of the pasta.

Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded mozzarella makes it cheesy and gooey. Just the way we like it.

Fresh Basil (optional) – Not required, but it makes the dish look extra fancy if you’re showing off.

4) How to Make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1 – In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the chicken cubes, sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook until the chicken starts to brown and isn’t pink anymore.

Step 2 – Pour in the marinara sauce, followed by the chicken broth and dry pasta. Stir everything together gently so the pasta is coated and not stuck in one corner.

Step 3 – Bring the pot to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer. This takes about 12 to 14 minutes. Check the pasta occasionally and give it a stir.

Step 4 – When the pasta is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, take off the lid. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan over the top like you mean it.

Step 5 – Put the lid back on and let it sit for 2 or 3 minutes until the cheese melts. If you want that top layer extra crispy, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two.

Step 6 – Serve hot, maybe add a little fresh basil if you’re in the mood. Then dive in and enjoy the reward of doing almost nothing but making something that tastes like everything.

5) Tips for Making One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

One pot dinners keep things simple. But a few small moves can really boost the flavor. Brown the chicken before adding the liquid. That color equals flavor. Don’t rush the simmering—it gives the pasta time to soak up the goodness from the sauce and broth.

Use pasta that holds shape. Short kinds like penne or rotini work well in a saucy setup like this. Long noodles? Not so much. You want every forkful to catch cheese, sauce, and chicken in one glorious bite.

Looking for easy meal prep recipes? This one works well. You can portion it out into containers, let it cool, and reheat during the week. It even tastes better the next day, after the ingredients spend some time together.

6) Making One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Ahead of Time

If you want to get ahead of dinner, this recipe won’t get in your way. You can cook it fully and stash it in the fridge. Or just prep the ingredients so all you do later is toss and simmer.

It’s one of those easy food recipes that flexes with your schedule. The flavors hold up well after a day or two, and a quick reheat brings it back to life. The cheese stays gooey, and the pasta stays firm enough to not turn into a mess.

This dish fits right into your routine if you need more easy chicken dinner recipes on rotation. It’s fast enough for a Tuesday and satisfying enough for a Friday when you’ve just had it with cooking.

7) Storing Leftover Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Leftovers? Lucky you. Just spoon the extra into airtight containers and stick them in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to four days and still taste great.

If you’re reheating, a splash of broth or a bit more marinara helps loosen things up. The cheese may firm up in the fridge, but it melts right back into place with a little heat.

This recipe has become one of my top picks for easy pasta recipes and meal prep lunches. You can double the batch and eat like royalty for days, with almost no extra work.

8) Try these Dinners next!

9) One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta