If you love the comforting flavors of classic Italian dishes but want something quick, hearty, and with minimal cleanup, this One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is going to become one of your absolute favorites. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken pieces mingling with perfectly cooked pasta all in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melty mozzarella and a crunchy, golden parmesan-panko crust. It’s a full, satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes and is cooked entirely in one pan, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner hero. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving something cozy and delicious for yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To pull off this delicious One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe, the ingredient list keeps things straightforward but packs a lot of flavor. Each component has its role—seasoned chicken for protein and savory depth, pasta to soak up the sauce, and a crispy cheese topping to add texture and richness.
- 1 lb chicken breasts: Cut into bite-size pieces so they cook quickly and evenly throughout the pasta.
- 1 Tbsp herb and garlic seasoning: A fragrant blend that transforms simple chicken into a flavor-packed star.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: For browning the chicken to a perfect golden crisp before adding the rest of the dish.
- 8 oz campanelle pasta (or mini shells): These shapes hold sauce beautifully and maintain a great texture.
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce: A rich base that creates the classic tomato flavor we all love in chicken parmesan.
- 2 cups water: Helps cook the pasta right in the sauce, melding flavors perfectly.
- â…› tsp red pepper flakes: Just a little touch of heat to keep things interesting without overpowering.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (divided): Adds nutty, savory notes; part goes in the pasta, part in the crunchy topping.
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs: For a delightfully crispy topping that contrasts wonderfully with the melted cheese.
- 2 Tbsp melted butter: Binds the bread crumbs and parmesan to create that golden crust.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the breadcrumb topping with extra garlicky goodness.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded): The gooey layer that makes this dish feel like a warm Italian hug.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, perfect for quick cooking and easy bites later. Toss the chicken in the herb and garlic seasoning, ensuring each piece is well coated. This step is the foundation of flavor, so don’t skip on seasoning generously.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook, undisturbed, for about 5 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. This caramelization adds an irresistible savory edge that will shine through the dish.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Sauce
Next, pour in the campanelle pasta, jarred spaghetti sauce, and water directly into the skillet. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat, allowing the pasta to simmer in the sauce and chicken juices for 15 to 18 minutes. The pasta soaks up all the rich tomato flavor, becoming tender and bursting with taste.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Mozzarella
After the pasta is tender, stir in 6 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the sauce over low heat for about 5 minutes—that extra cheese creates a creamy texture. Then, spread the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, setting the stage for an irresistible melty finish.
Step 5: Add the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with melted butter, the remaining parmesan, and garlic powder. This crunchy blend is perfect for sprinkling generously over the mozzarella layer, adding texture and that classic chicken parmesan crunch.
Step 6: Broil Until Perfect
Finally, place the skillet under the preheated broiler. Watch carefully and broil until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and the cheese bubbles into a gooey, irresistible layer. This finishing touch crowning your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is nothing short of magic.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note and adds a pop of vibrant green that makes the meal look as good as it tastes. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also enhance the richness and add a silky finish.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy flavors. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is a divine choice for soaking up every last bit of sauce from the skillet, making the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual oven-safe bowls and broil each portion separately for a restaurant-style presentation. You can also offer extra parmesan and red pepper flakes at the table so everyone can customize their plate to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors just deepen overnight, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This pasta freezes well if you want to prepare in bulk. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so you can enjoy a homemade meal anytime without fuss.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or sauce if needed to loosen the pasta. If you love that crispy breadcrumb topping, pop the reheated portion under the broiler for a minute or two to bring back the crunch and bubbly cheese.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While campanelle and mini shells are excellent at holding sauce, penne, rotini, or even rigatoni work wonderfully too. Just watch the cooking time, as different pasta shapes can vary slightly.
Is it necessary to broil the pasta at the end?
Broiling adds a delicious crispy topping that makes this dish special, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and simply melt the cheese on the stove. The flavor will still be fantastic!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. The rich tomato sauce and cheese will still satisfy those comfort food cravings.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add just a hint of warmth without making the dish spicy. You can always adjust the amount or omit it altogether depending on your heat preference.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries—after cooking the pasta on the stove, transfer it to a baking dish to broil the topping separately. Just keep an eye on the broiler so it doesn’t burn.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is a perfect example of comfort food done right—easy, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from Italy, without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own weeknight favorite. Trust me, once you do, this one-pot wonder will become a regular request at your table.
Print
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and convenient take on the classic Italian favorite, combining tender chicken, campanelle pasta, marinara sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping all cooked in a single skillet. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that impresses without the mess.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp herb and garlic seasoning
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz campanelle pasta (or mini shells)
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups water
- â…› tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
Topping
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat broiler: Set your oven broiler to high to prepare for toasting the breadcrumb topping later.
- Prepare chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season evenly with the herb and garlic seasoning for flavorful bites.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook pasta in sauce: Add the campanelle pasta, spaghetti sauce, water, and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Finish pasta and cheese: Stir in 6 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese and cook the mixture over low heat for about 5 minutes to thicken and blend flavors. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta.
- Add breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, melted butter, the remaining parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mozzarella cheese layer.
- Broil until golden: Place the skillet under the preheated broiler and heat just until the breadcrumb topping is toasted golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Notes
- You can substitute campanelle pasta with mini shells or any small pasta shape that holds sauce well.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
- Using an oven-safe skillet is important for finishing the dish under the broiler without transferring to another pan.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko bread crumbs and pasta with gluten-free alternatives.
