One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
687 kcal
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Course
Main Course
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Description
Starting with olive oil, chicken breast chunks are seasoned with Italian seasoning and garlic powder, then cooked partially before being set aside. Garlic is sautéed briefly, then marinara sauce and water are added to the pan and brought to a boil. Uncooked short pasta noodles are combined with the chicken and seasonings, then simmered until tender. Parmesan and part of the mozzarella cheese are stirred in to melt throughout the sauce and pasta. A mixture of melted butter and Italian-style breadcrumbs is prepared separately and sprinkled on top of the pasta with the remaining mozzarella. The dish is then broiled briefly to achieve a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping that contrasts with the creamy cheese beneath.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a hearty one-pot meal combining savory tomato sauce, tender chicken, melted cheeses, and a crunchy topping. It’s well-suited for family dinners where minimal cleanup is desired. The breadcrumb topping adds texture and color distinguishing it from simpler pasta bakes. Various short pasta shapes can be used depending on preference.
As a tip, stirring in softened cream cheese with the shredded cheeses will yield an even richer texture and flavor. The breadcrumb topping can be broiled carefully to avoid burning. Serving with fresh herbs like parsley or basil adds brightness. Leftovers reheat well.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 chicken breast chopped into 1-inch pieces, boneless skinless
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons garlic minced
- 16 ounces pasta short noodles such as penne, ziti, or cellentani
- 30 ounce marinara sauce jar, your favorite
- 3 cups water
- 1 ⅓ cups mozzarella cheese divided, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs or regular bread crumbs + 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- parsley or basil or thyme, fresh, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil, then add chicken pieces. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the chicken. Stir over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. (Chicken will not be completely cooked through at this point) Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Add garlic to the pan and saute for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce and water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a high simmer.
- Stir in remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, uncooked pasta noodles, and chicken and give it a good stir.
- Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir in parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese until melted.
- While pasta is cooking, combine butter and breadcrumbs in a bowl and stir to coat.
- Top pasta with remaining mozzarella cheese and cover until melted. Sprinkle with breadcrumb, transfer to oven and broil for 1-2 minutes until breadcrumbs are toasted. *If you are not using an oven-safe pot or skillet, you can toast the breadcrumbs in a pan over medium heat, stirring throughout, for 3-4 minutes before sprinkling over pasta.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and cracked black pepper if desired and serve.
Notes
- For richer pasta, stir in 4 ounces softened cream cheese with the shredded cheeses before topping.
- Broil the breadcrumb topping 1-2 minutes carefully to avoid burning; watch closely.
- Use fresh parsley or basil to garnish for added color and herbal notes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 687 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 687kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 73g | 24% |
| Protein | 46g | 92% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 99mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 1300mg | 54% |
| Potassium | 1126mg | 24% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 1150IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 294mg | 29% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.