There’s nothing quite like the comforting flavors of Chicken Parmesan Pasta to turn a hectic weeknight into a cozy family dinner. With tender chicken, hearty pasta, and a rich marinara sauce topped with gooey melted cheese, this dish delivers all the classic tastes of chicken parm in an easy, one-pan meal.

I discovered this recipe when craving chicken parmesan but didn’t want to deal with frying or assembling multiple components. By combining everything into a single skillet, it quickly became my go-to for satisfying those Italian food cravings with minimal fuss. Let me show you how to make it!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation! Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines the best of Italian comfort food with the convenience of a one-pot meal.
First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just one pan, you can go from stovetop to table in under an hour, leaving fewer dishes to wash and more time to relax after dinner.
Second, it’s family-friendly. Picky eaters will love the combination of tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and pasta, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Third, this dish is versatile. Whether you want to make it vegetarian, lighten it up, or add extra veggies, it’s easy to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences.
Finally, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Perfect for potlucks, casual gatherings, or weeknight dinners, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor at a fraction of the cost.
Ready to give it a try? Let’s start with the ingredients.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Chicken Parmesan Pasta lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together for a bold and flavorful dish.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here, as they cook quickly and remain tender. You can also use thighs for a richer flavor.
- Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work best because they hold the sauce well. Avoid long noodles, as they don’t incorporate as easily into the dish.
- Marinara Sauce: A high-quality jarred marinara sauce saves time and ensures a robust flavor base. Look for one with minimal added sugar and rich tomato flavor.
- Cheese: A combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan provides the ultimate cheesy topping. Don’t skimp on freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor.
- Seasonings: Garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes add depth and warmth. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Special Equipment: A large, oven-safe skillet or sauté pan is essential for making this a true one-pan meal.
Now that your ingredients are prepped, let’s get cooking!
How To Make This Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Creating this Chicken Parmesan Pasta is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to bring it all together.
- Cook the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in your marinara sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to infuse the sauce with extra flavor.
- Add Pasta and Liquid: Stir in your uncooked pasta, along with water or chicken broth. Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the pasta to cook directly in the sauce. This not only saves time but also infuses the pasta with rich marinara flavor.
- Combine and Cheese: Once the pasta is al dente, return the chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the top, then transfer the skillet to the oven and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor, and serve hot.
In under 40 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
Storage Options
Have leftovers? This Chicken Parmesan Pasta stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce. You can also use a microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
With these options, you’ll never have to waste a single bite of this delicious dish!
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a veggie-forward twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of pasta for a lighter, low-carb meal.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Spicier Version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the marinara for extra heat.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try provolone or fontina for a unique flavor twist.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and make this dish truly yours!
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this Chicken Parmesan Pasta delivers every time. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with all the flavors you love. Give it a try tonight – your family will thank you!
PrintChicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe is a flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, pasta, marinara, and gooey cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce, chicken broth, and penne pasta. Mix well and bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked and the sauce thickens.
- Turn off the heat and mix in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.
- Add red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
Leave a Reply