One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe (Easy & Cheesy!)

Have you ever craved the comforting richness of Chicken Parmesan but skipped it because of the mess, cleanup, or time commitment? You’re not alone. According to a 2024 survey by Statista, over 63% of home cooks avoid complex recipes during the week due to time constraints and too many dirty dishes.

That’s why this one-pot chicken Parmesan pasta recipe is a true game-changer—it merges the irresistible, cheesy flavors of classic chicken parm with the simplicity of a one-pot dinner, perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even casual dinner parties. The best part? It’s ready in 40 minutes flat.

Ingredients List

This dish balances rich tomato sauce, tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a golden cheesy crust—all in one pot. Here’s what you’ll need:

🧂 Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – adds aromatic herbal depth
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – boosts flavor instantly
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium onion, finely diced – for a sweet, savory foundation
• 4 garlic cloves, minced – sharp and fragrant
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste – intensifies the tomato base
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes – use San Marzano for best results
• 3 cups chicken broth – enhances depth and ensures tender pasta
• 12 ounces penne pasta (or short pasta of choice)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – creamy and melty
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – salty and sharp
• ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs – adds the perfect crunch
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped – bright and aromatic

🔁 Suggested Substitutions:

• Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness
• Substitute gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs
• Replace panko with regular breadcrumbs (less crunch but still tasty)
• Use fresh mozzarella slices for extra indulgence
• Add veggies like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to boost nutrients

Timing

Here’s how this one-pot wonder saves you time without sacrificing quality:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes (chopping and seasoning)
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

🕒 That’s 30% faster than traditional chicken parmesan, which often takes 60+ minutes and multiple pans!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken

In a bowl, combine chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat. Heat a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden (not fully cooked). Remove and set aside.

🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear in batches to lock in moisture and create flavorful browning.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, lower heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onions for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the tomato flavor.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the pan (these add serious flavor). Bring to a gentle boil.

Add uncooked pasta and stir to combine. Nestle the browned chicken pieces into the mixture.

🍅 Kitchen Insight: Cooking pasta directly in the sauce allows it to absorb all the umami-rich tomato and broth flavor.

Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta Is Al Dente

Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of broth.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle mozzarella and half of the Parmesan over the pasta. In a separate bowl, mix panko with remaining Parmesan, then sprinkle on top.

Step 6: Broil for the Finish

Pop the skillet under a broiler for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the panko is golden brown.

🔍 Watch closely! The breadcrumbs can go from golden to burnt in seconds.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. Finish with chopped fresh basil for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to lighten things up? Try these smart swaps:

• ✅ Whole grain pasta – boosts fiber by up to 200%
• ✅ Ground chicken breast – reduces total fat by 30%
• ✅ Veggie boost – stir in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers
• ✅ Reduced-fat cheese – lowers calories while keeping flavor
• ✅ Nutritional yeast – a vegan-friendly Parmesan substitute with added B12

Serving Suggestions

Make your meal even more memorable with these sides:

• 🥗 Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette – brightens the richness
• 🥖 Garlic bread or rosemary focaccia – perfect for mopping up sauce
• 🥦 Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus – for added balance
• 🍷 Wine pairing: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the tomato and cheese flavors

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even easy dishes can go sideways. Here’s what to watch for:

• ❌ Overcooking pasta – check 2 minutes before the suggested time
• ❌ Skipping the chicken browning step – this adds flavor depth
• ❌ Adding all cheese too early – it will melt into the sauce and vanish
• ❌ Using low-quality tomatoes – invest in good crushed tomatoes
• ❌ Forgetting to stir – one-pot dishes can stick at the bottom

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This one-pot chicken Parmesan pasta is meal-prep friendly and stores beautifully.

Fridge:

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days
• Reheat with a splash of water to revive the sauce

Freezer:

• Portion into containers and freeze up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight before reheating

⏳ Flavor bonus: The dish tastes even better the next day as ingredients meld.

Conclusion

This one-pot chicken Parmesan pasta delivers all the rich, cheesy satisfaction of traditional chicken parm—without the hassle. With minimal cleanup, faster cook time, and deep, layered flavor, it’s the perfect go-to for weeknight dinners or effortless entertaining.

👉 Try this recipe tonight and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Subscribe to our blog for more one-pot meals, cooking tips, and weekly meal inspiration.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare everything up to the cheese and breadcrumb stage. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat and broil the topping fresh.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and replace panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.

Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?

Absolutely. Stir it in during the final 5 minutes of cooking to warm through without overcooking.

Can this be made in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to brown chicken, add remaining ingredients (except cheese/breadcrumbs), and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release, then add cheese and broil separately if desired.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Use high-quality pasta and check it 1–2 minutes before the suggested cook time. It should be slightly firmer than al dente when you add cheese.