Introduction:
Enjoy the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a simple, one-pot meal with this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta! Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce come together in a single pot for a comforting, hassle-free dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals, this dish combines all the beloved elements of Chicken Parmesan into a convenient and satisfying pasta dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- One pot convenience: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one pot.
- Classic flavors: Enjoy the familiar tastes of Chicken Parmesan in a new and easy format.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to delight both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, dried Italian seasoning, basil, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add the pasta to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce. Cover and cook according to the pasta package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add the Chicken and Cheese:
- Once the pasta is cooked, return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and mix in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Chicken: Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Pasta Texture: Adjust the amount of liquid if needed while the pasta cooks. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream.
- Cheese: Use a good melting cheese for the best creamy texture. Mozzarella and Parmesan are ideal, but you can also experiment with other cheeses.
Recipe Variations:
- Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
- Pair with a light, crisp white wine or sparkling water to complement the rich flavors.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the pot over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce, or microwave individual portions.
Special Equipment:
- Pot or Deep Skillet: For cooking the chicken, vegetables, pasta, and sauce in one pan.
FAQ:
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Add it in when you add the cheese, and just heat it through. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before serving. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. - Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Adjust cooking times as necessary.
Preparation Time:
- 10 minutes for prepping ingredients and cooking the chicken.
Cook Time:
- 15-20 minutes for cooking the pasta and making the sauce.
Total Time:
- 30 minutes (including prep and cook time).
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, dried Italian seasoning, basil, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add the pasta to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce. Cover and cook according to the pasta package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add the Chicken and Cheese:
- Once the pasta is cooked, return the chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and mix in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 35g
Closing Notes:
Have you tried this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your delicious creations and stay tuned for more easy and tasty recipes.