Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my *absolute favorite* weeknight meal: one pot chicken parmesan pasta! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl—comforting, packed with flavor, and oh-so-easy to whip up. Seriously, it takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made this for my family; everyone gathered around the table, and the aroma filled the air, making it impossible to resist. We devoured it in no time, and the best part? Only one pot to clean up! Trust me, this dish will quickly become a go-to in your home, too.
Ingredients for One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Gather these simple yet satisfying ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to a delicious meal!
- 2 cups of pasta (I love using penne or rotini, but any pasta you have will work!)
- 1 pound of chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups of chicken broth (homemade or store-bought, whichever you prefer)
- 1 cup of marinara sauce (go for your favorite brand or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!)
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (because who can resist gooey cheese?)
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese (for that extra cheesy goodness)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (to sauté the chicken to perfection)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (this adds such a wonderful aroma and flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, season it up!)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go; it makes the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s super straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, heat that tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, just enough to get things sizzling!
- Next, toss in the diced chicken, minced garlic, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Cook everything together until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You want that chicken to be golden and delicious, so don’t rush this step!
- Now, it’s time to bring in the pasta party! Add your 2 cups of pasta, followed by the chicken broth and marinara sauce. Give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta is well coated.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat. Cover it up and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed all that yummy flavor. Keep an eye on it, and give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
- Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, it’s time for the cheesy finish! Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is melted and gooey—this is the best part!
- Finally, serve it hot, and enjoy that comforting bowl of one pot chicken parmesan pasta! You can even sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top if you want to be extra fancy.
And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: You can whip this up in just 30 minutes! Perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence.
- One Pot Wonder: That’s right—less cleanup! You only need one pot to cook everything, making it a breeze to clean up afterward.
- Rich, Flavorful Dish: The combination of chicken, marinara, and gooey cheese creates a comforting, mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish. It’s a great way to get everyone around the table enjoying a delicious meal together.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or switch up the pasta—there are so many ways to make this recipe your own!
- Comfort Food: This meal feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy nights in or when you just need a little extra comfort.
Tips for Success
To make sure your one pot chicken parmesan pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my top tips that I swear by!
- Choose the Right Pasta: I love using short pasta shapes like penne or rotini because they hold onto the sauce so well. But honestly, any pasta you have on hand will work—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Don’t Rush the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through before adding the pasta and sauces. You want it nice and golden for that delicious flavor!
- Stir Occasionally: While the pasta is simmering, give it a stir every few minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This also helps everything cook evenly!
- Adjust the Liquids: If you find the pasta is absorbing too much liquid and looks dry, feel free to add a splash more chicken broth. You want it creamy, not dry!
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. Just toss them in with the chicken so they cook down nicely!
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: For a burst of freshness, sprinkle some chopped basil or parsley on top right before serving. It adds a lovely touch and enhances the flavors!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering this comforting dish. Happy cooking!
Variations of One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
One of the best things about this one pot chicken parmesan pasta is how versatile it is! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite variations to try:
- Vegetable Medley: Toss in some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the cooking process for a pop of color and added nutrition. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without sacrificing flavor!
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheese! Instead of just mozzarella and parmesan, try adding provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of feta for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the pot while cooking the chicken. It’ll elevate the dish and give it a nice spicy finish!
- Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for an aromatic touch. You can even add a splash of pesto for an extra burst of flavor. Yum!
- Swap the Protein: Not in the mood for chicken? No problem! You can easily replace it with diced turkey, shrimp, or even cooked sausage for a completely different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make it gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. It cooks just as beautifully and will still give you that comforting vibe!
Feel free to mix and match these variations; it’s all about what you love! The beauty of this dish is how it can be tailored to fit your cravings or pantry ingredients. Enjoy getting creative in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delightful one pot chicken parmesan pasta and now you have some leftovers? No worries! Here’s how to store and reheat it so you can enjoy every last bite just as much as the first time.
First off, let your pasta cool down a bit before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. You can store your leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days—just make sure to seal it tightly!
When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. My favorite way is to warm it up on the stovetop. Just place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, and add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out. Stir it gently until it’s heated through, and voila—you’ve got a delicious meal ready to go!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it. Just pop a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, add a little bit of liquid, cover it (but leave a vent for steam), and heat it in short bursts, stirring in between until it’s warmed up. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it might get a little rubbery.
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your one pot chicken parmesan pasta even on those busy days. Happy eating!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness of this one pot chicken parmesan pasta, let’s chat about the nutritional info! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a general guide to help you on your culinary journey.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Remember, this dish is not only tasty but also packs a good punch of protein and heartwarming flavors! Enjoy your meal while keeping these numbers in mind, and feel free to make adjustments to suit your dietary needs. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? No problem! Here are some common queries I get about one pot chicken parmesan pasta, and I’ve got you covered with answers that will hopefully clear things up!
Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. If you’re short on time, you can even cook it from frozen, but it may take a bit longer to brown.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries at all! You can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. Just keep in mind that broth adds flavor, so season your dish a little more if you’re using water.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the mozzarella and parmesan for dairy-free alternatives. There are some fantastic vegan cheeses on the market that melt beautifully!
How can I make this gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta! The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it as it cooks.
Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies, like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just add them along with the chicken so they cook down nicely.
I hope these answers help you feel more confident in making this delicious dish! If you have any more questions, just ask—I’m here to help!
Print
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Easy 30-Minute Comfort Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy one pot chicken parmesan pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of pasta
- 1 pound of chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned.
- Add pasta, chicken broth, and marinara sauce. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer until pasta is cooked.
- Stir in mozzarella and parmesan cheese until melted.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use any pasta of your choice.
- Add vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: one pot chicken parmesan pasta