You’re about to commence a culinary journey with One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, a dish that minimizes kitchen chaos.
Gather your essential kitchen tools: a large pot, a sharp knife, and a wooden spoon.
Focus on quality ingredients: tender chicken, fresh garlic, rich marinara, and robust cheeses.
Each step is designed for efficiency and flavor.
Ready to transform simple ingredients into a family favorite? Let’s get started with the process.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 grater
- 1 colander
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, you can follow this timeline based on the provided cook and prep times:
Total Time: 35 minutes (including resting time)
- 0 – 5 Minutes: Prep Work
- Gather all ingredients and equipment.
- Dice the chicken breasts.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Chop the fresh basil.
- Measure out chicken broth, marinara sauce, and cheeses.
- 5 – 10 Minutes: Initial Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- 10 – 12 Minutes: Garlic and Simmering
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and marinara sauce, and bring to a simmer.
- 12 – 20 Minutes: Cooking Pasta
- Add penne pasta to the pot and stir to combine.
- Cover the pot and cook until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- 20 – 25 Minutes: Cheese and Resting
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes to thicken.
- 25 – 30 Minutes: Final Touches
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Recipe
The One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delightful Italian-inspired dish that brings together the savory flavors of chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese in a single pot.
This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate a hearty meal but want to minimize cleanup time.
The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and gooey melted cheeses guarantees that every bite is satisfying and packed with flavor.
The dish isn’t only delicious but also convenient for busy weeknights or a casual family dinner.
In this recipe, the chicken is first browned to lock in its juices and create a flavorful base.
The addition of garlic enhances the aroma, while the marinara sauce and chicken broth provide a rich, tangy sauce for the pasta to absorb.
As the pasta cooks, it soaks up the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a cohesive and flavorful dish.
Finally, a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese is stirred in, creating a creamy and indulgent texture that’s complemented by the freshness of chopped basil.
To prepare the One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and black pepper, and cook until it’s browned and cooked through.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook until it releases its aroma.
Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the penne pasta, stirring to confirm all ingredients are well combined.
Cover the pot and allow the pasta to cook until it’s al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until they’re melted and fully incorporated.
Allow the dish to rest for about 5 minutes to thicken before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.
For the best results, make sure that the chicken pieces are diced uniformly to promote even cooking.
This dish is most flavorful when served fresh, as the cheese is perfectly melted and creamy.
However, it can be prepared in advance and reheated for convenience.
To enhance the flavor profile, consider adding a splash of cream or incorporating a handful of fresh spinach into the dish.
Adjust the seasoning to your preference, and don’t hesitate to experiment with additional herbs or spices to make it your own.
Cooking Steps
To begin, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, ensuring it coats the bottom evenly.
Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and cook until the pieces are browned.
Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook until aromatic, then pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of marinara sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer before thoroughly incorporating 8 ounces of penne pasta.
Step 1. Warm Olive Oil in Pot
When you’re ready to start, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, guaranteeing the oil covers the base evenly.
Use two tablespoons of olive oil for ideal coverage.
As the oil heats, it should shimmer slightly, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
This guarantees even cooking and prevents sticking.
Avoid overheating, which can lead to burning and undesirable flavors.
Maintain a consistent medium heat to allow for gradual temperature increase, preserving the olive oil’s integrity.
The right oil temperature is essential for the subsequent cooking steps, particularly when adding the chicken.
A wooden spoon can be helpful for spreading the oil and testing the heat.
Once the oil is hot, you’re prepared to move on to the next step.
Step 2. Brown Seasoned Chicken Pieces
Start by adding the diced chicken to the heated oil in the pot.
Make sure your chicken breasts are cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces to promote even browning.
Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to season thoroughly.
Use a wooden spoon to continuously stir the chicken, making certain each piece is evenly coated in oil and seasoning.
Maintain medium heat to achieve a golden-brown exterior without overcooking.
Turn the pieces occasionally to prevent sticking and make sure all sides are browned evenly.
This process should take about 5-7 minutes.
Avoid overcrowding the pot; if necessary, brown the chicken in batches.
Once browned, remove excess moisture from the pot to prepare for the next cooking step.
Step 3. Cook Garlic Until Aromatic
After achieving a golden-brown exterior on the chicken, it’s time to introduce the garlic.
Mince three cloves precisely and guarantee they’re ready for their aromatic transformation.
Add the garlic to the pot and maintain medium heat.
Stir continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent burning.
You’ll know the garlic is ready when its fragrance fills the kitchen, but don’t let it brown.
This step only takes about 30 seconds to a minute.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic Cloves | 3, minced |
| Olive Oil | For sautéing |
Timing and attention are essential here.
Cooking garlic correctly enhances its natural sweetness and complements the seasoned chicken.
It’s imperative to act promptly to preserve the garlic’s delicate nature, guaranteeing it enhances the dish without overpowering it.
Step 4. Simmer Broth and Marinara Mixture
Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce directly into the pot.
Raise the heat to medium-high and stir the mixture thoroughly using a wooden spoon.
Make sure the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the liquid for peak flavor infusion.
As the liquid begins to bubble, adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
This step is vital for melding the broth and marinara flavors into a cohesive base.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and even cooking.
Maintain the simmer for a few minutes, allowing the mixture to slightly reduce and thicken.
This concentrated flavor will elevate your dish.
Keep an eye on the pot to prevent the sauce from boiling over.
Prepare for the next step with anticipation.
Step 5. Incorporate Penne Pasta Thoroughly
The simmering broth and marinara mixture now welcomes the penne pasta.
Pour the 8 ounces of penne directly into the pot, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
Use a wooden spoon to stir, making sure each piece is submerged.
This prevents sticking and promotes even cooking.
Maintain a steady simmer, adjusting the heat as necessary.
Cover the pot, leaving a slight gap for steam to escape, and continue cooking.
Stir the pasta every 3-4 minutes to prevent clumping and guarantee uniform absorption of flavors.
Monitor the texture; aim for al dente, which typically takes 10-12 minutes.
Once the pasta reaches the desired tenderness, promptly proceed to the next step to incorporate the cheeses before the dish cools.
Serving Tips
- Garlic Bread: Pair with warm, buttery garlic bread for a classic Italian accompaniment.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds a invigorating contrast to the rich flavors of the pasta.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, offer a healthy, vibrant side.
- Red Wine: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti, complements the savory notes of the dish.
- Roasted Tomatoes: Serve with roasted cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of sweetness and color.
Storage/Freezing/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Verify it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing: For Freezing, transfer the cooled pasta into a freezer-safe container or bag.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying.
Stir occasionally until heated through, or use a microwave for convenience.
Final Thoughts
When you savor One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, you’ll appreciate its rich flavors and streamlined cooking process.
This dish marries the savory depth of marinara with the creamy melt of mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a harmonious blend.
The chicken, seasoned with salt and pepper, guarantees protein-packed bites that complement the pasta’s texture.
Use a large pot to evenly distribute heat and enhance the cooking efficiency.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and guarantee the pasta cooks to al dente perfection.
Incorporating fresh basil at the end adds a burst of aromatic freshness that completes the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Regular Penne?
Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta. Adjust cooking time as it may take longer to reach al dente. Make certain you stir frequently to prevent sticking and add extra liquid if needed to maintain desired consistency.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken if I’m Vegetarian?
Substitute the chicken with 1 pound of firm tofu, cubed. Sauté tofu until golden before adding garlic. Alternatively, use 1 pound of mushrooms, sliced, and sauté until browned for a rich, earthy flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or 1 diced jalapeño when sautéing garlic. For more heat, add 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper with marinara sauce. Adjust to taste, ensuring even distribution for consistent spiciness.
Is It Possible to Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Skip the browning step, add the chicken with the pasta, and adjust cooking time. Confirm it’s heated through before serving. Monitor the liquid levels to avoid a dry dish.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Recipe?
You can definitely add more vegetables. Consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté them with the chicken to enhance flavors. Adjust cooking time slightly to guarantee vegetables are tender. Guarantee equal-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Grater
- 1 colander
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and marinara sauce, and bring to a simmer.
- Add penne pasta and stir to combine.
- Cover the pot and cook until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
