Name: One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1-inch pieces; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 3 teaspoons minced garlic; 16 ounces short pasta noodles such as penne, ziti, or cellentani; 30 ounce jar of your favorite marinara sauce; 3 cups water; 1 ⅓ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese; 3 tablespoons butter, melted; ½ cup Italian style breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs + ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning); Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: fresh parsley, basil, or thyme for garnish

If you’re anything like me, you love a dinner that’s simple but feels like a special occasion—and that’s exactly why this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen. It’s hearty, comforting, and everything you want in a weeknight meal but without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. Plus, that golden breadcrumb topping? Totally irresistible. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail it perfectly every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Convenient: Everything cooks in just one pot, saving you time on cleanup.
Flavorful and Cheesy: Layers of mozzarella, parmesan, and Italian seasoning make every bite a hit.
Family Favorite: My family always goes crazy for this dish, and leftovers disappear fast.
Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

A close-up view of a black pot filled with three main layers: a base layer of orange-red cooked elbow pasta covered in thick tomato sauce, a middle layer of melted white cheese which is stringy and soft, and a top layer of golden brown breadcrumb topping sprinkled with tiny bits of green herbs. The dish is being scooped by a wooden spoon from the right side, lifting a mix of all layers, showing the melty cheese stretching. The pot rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, chicken parmesan pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, one pot pasta dinner, quick weeknight pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe come together beautifully to create a rich, comforting meal without complicated steps or hard-to-find items. I always recommend getting a good-quality marinara sauce — trust me, it makes a big difference in flavor.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks, a small mound of penne pasta, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl of minced garlic, a small white bowl of red marinara sauce, a small white bowl of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl of shredded parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of Italian style breadcrumbs, a small white bowl of melted butter, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning powder, a few whole garlic cloves, a few fresh parsley leaves, a few fresh basil leaves, a few fresh thyme sprigs, a small pile of whole black peppercorns, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, chicken parmesan pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, one pot pasta dinner, quick weeknight pasta

Olive oil: Adds richness while helping the chicken brown nicely.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Chopped into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and blend perfectly with the pasta.
Italian seasoning: This blend gives the dish that classic herbaceous punch.
Garlic powder and minced garlic: Double garlic love here for a deep savory base.
Short pasta noodles (penne, ziti, or cellentani): Choose pasta that holds sauce well and cooks quickly.
Marinara sauce: Look for a smooth, flavorful jarred sauce to keep things easy.
Water: Helps cook the pasta directly in the sauce creating an ultra-creamy texture.
Mozzarella cheese: Divided so some melts into the pasta and some browns on top.
Parmesan cheese: For sharp umami flavor stirred in near the end.
Salt and pepper: To taste — don’t be shy about seasoning well!
Butter: Used to coat the breadcrumbs, giving that perfect golden crust.
Italian style breadcrumbs: Or regular with a bit of Italian seasoning for that crunch.
Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley, basil or thyme brighten up the dish at the end.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is so adaptable—feel free to experiment with it! Whether it’s swapping proteins or adjusting cheese, there’s plenty of room for your personal spin. Here are some ideas I’ve tried and enjoyed.

Use ground turkey or chicken sausage: I swapped chicken breasts for ground turkey one time when I was short on time, and it worked wonderfully, mixing right into the pasta.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken altogether and add mushrooms and spinach instead. It’s still hearty and so satisfying.
Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like a little kick — my husband loves it this way.
Cheese swaps: Swap mozzarella for provolone or add a little ricotta dollop on top for extra creaminess.

How to Make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken with Seasoning

Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped chicken and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and garlic powder over it. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through yet—you’ll finish it later. I usually transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep it warm while I move to the next step. This prevents overcooking and keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 2: Build the Sauce and Cook Pasta

In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it fills your kitchen with that amazing aroma. Then pour in the marinara sauce and water, bringing it to a boil before lowering the heat to a high simmer. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss in the uncooked pasta along with your partially cooked chicken. Stir well to combine everything. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. This one-pot magic means your pasta soaks up all the flavors!

Step 3: Stir in Cheese and Add Breadcrumb Topping

Once the pasta is tender, stir in the parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella until everything’s melted and creamy. While that’s happening, mix melted butter with breadcrumbs in a small bowl. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta, cover the pot, and let the mozzarella melt (about 2 minutes). Then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top. If your pot is oven-safe, pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the breadcrumbs toast to a golden brown. If not, no worries—toast them in a small pan on the stove for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, before sprinkling them over. This adds the perfect crunch and contrast to the creamy pasta.

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Pro Tips for Making One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Sauté chicken in batches if needed for better browning and flavor.
Use High-Quality Marinara: A richer sauce means a more flavorful final dish.
Keep an Eye on Liquid Levels: If sauce thickens too much while cooking pasta, add a splash of water or broth.
Breadcrumb Topping Trick: Toasting breadcrumbs separately gives better texture than just sprinkling raw crumbs on top.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

The image shows two white bowls of baked pasta on a white marbled surface, each filled with a layered dish made from curved pasta coated in a thick red tomato sauce. The pasta layer is mixed with melted cheese that peeks through in some spots, topped with a golden crumbly layer, likely toasted breadcrumbs, and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. A silver fork rests inside the front bowl, with some sauce on its tines, and a woman's hand gently holding a utensil is partially visible in the upper right corner. Small bits of herbs are scattered on the white marbled surface around the bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, chicken parmesan pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, one pot pasta dinner, quick weeknight pasta

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil—that pop of green just brightens up the plate. A crack or two of fresh black pepper on top adds a little extra bite and depth. You can also add a drizzle of good olive oil if you want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

Since this pasta is so rich and filling, I usually keep sides light: a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic roasted broccoli pairs perfectly. Sometimes, I serve it with warm garlic bread for the ultimate Italian feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve served this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta straight from a rustic cast-iron skillet on the table—it always looks impressive and keeps it warm longer. You can also plate individual servings into shallow bowls and top each with a fresh basil leaf and a small parmesan crisp for a restaurant-style touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which is a nice bonus.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a few times with good results. Freeze in a tightly sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Just be aware the breadcrumb topping won’t stay crispy after freezing, so I recommend adding fresh breadcrumbs when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to bring back creaminess without drying out the pasta. Pop it in the oven for a few minutes if you want to revive some of the breadcrumb crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Short pasta like penne, ziti, or cellentani works best because they cook evenly and hold the sauce well. You can also try rotini or rigatoni. Avoid super thin pastas like angel hair since they might get mushy during the simmering process.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! For a dairy-free version, swap out mozzarella and parmesan for plant-based cheese alternatives. Use vegan butter for the breadcrumbs, and double-check your marinara sauce is dairy-free. For vegan, substitute the chicken with plant-based protein options like tofu or chickpeas.
How can I make sure the chicken stays juicy and tender?

The key is not overcooking the chicken during the initial sauté. Cook it just until browned on the outside, then finish cooking it with the pasta. Keeping the pot covered during simmering helps retain moisture, making the chicken tender and juicy.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can chop the chicken ahead of time and even mix the breadcrumb topping so it’s ready to sprinkle. The full dish tastes freshest when cooked right before serving, but leftovers reheat well.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe pot for broiling breadcrumbs?

No problem! Simply toast your breadcrumb topping in a separate pan over medium heat until golden and sprinkle it on top afterward. This method still delivers a wonderful crunch without needing to broil in the pot.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is seriously one of my favorite dishes because it provides that perfect mix of comfort food and ease. I love how the flavors meld together while the pasta cooks right in the sauce, and that final broiled breadcrumb topping? It’s the kind of detail that feels fancy but is so simple to do. If you’re looking for a recipe that will impress your family or guests without keeping you stuck in the kitchen all night, give this a try—you’ll be so happy you did!