One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is an incredibly easy and delicious meal that combines the flavors of crispy chicken, pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. Here’s how to make it:
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water, but broth adds more flavor)
- 1 pound penne pasta (or any pasta you prefer)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Toast the Pasta:
- In the same pot, add the flour and stir for about 1 minute to lightly toast it (this will help thicken the sauce later).
- Add the marinara sauce and chicken broth to the pot. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Cook the Pasta:
- Add the pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in the sauce and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
4. Add the Chicken and Cheese:
- Once the pasta is done, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Mix until the cheese is melted and the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Broil the Cheese (Optional):
- For an extra cheesy, crispy topping, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta. Place the pot under a broiler for about 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
6. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve hot with extra grated Parmesan on the side if desired.
Tips:
- Protein swap: You can substitute chicken with shrimp or ground turkey for variety.
- Pasta type: Any small pasta (like penne, rigatoni, or rotini) works well. Just ensure it’s a type that cooks well in sauce.
- Sauce: You can add a little extra seasoning (such as red pepper flakes for heat) or even a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a weeknight game-changer. The flavors are all there—tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and savory marinara—all made in one pot with minimal effort. Enjoy!