30-Minute One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner!

Let’s get real about weeknight dinners. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and the last thing you want is a mountain of dishes to clean up after you eat. But you’re still craving something truly comforting, something cheesy, saucy, and satisfying. What if I told you that you could have all the incredible, classic flavors of chicken parmesan—the tender chicken, the rich marinara, the gooey melted cheese, the perfectly cooked pasta—all in one single pot and on the table in 30 minutes? It sounds too good to be true, but this recipe is the real deal. This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a weeknight miracle. Everything, including the pasta, cooks together in one pot, which means the pasta soaks up all the flavor from the sauce and the starches from the pasta help to create an unbelievably creamy, luscious sauce. It’s a game-changer. I make this on those nights when I have zero energy but still want to feel like I’ve made a real, home-cooked meal. It’s pure comfort, maximum flavor, and minimal cleanup. This is the recipe your whole family will ask for again and again.

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Why This One Pot Chicken Parm Pasta is a Lifesaver!

• The Magic of One Pot: Everything from the chicken to the pasta cooks in a single pot. That means fewer dishes and way more flavor as everything simmers together.
• Ready in 30 Minutes: This is the ultimate busy-night dinner. You can have a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal on the table in just 30 minutes flat.
• Classic Comfort Flavors: All the beloved flavors of chicken parmesan are here, just reimagined in an incredibly easy pasta dish. It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
• Incredibly Creamy Sauce: As the pasta cooks in the sauce, its starches are released, which naturally thickens the marinara into a rich, velvety cream sauce without adding any heavy cream.
• Perfectly Cooked Pasta: No more waiting for water to boil separately! The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing every bit of delicious flavor as it becomes perfectly al dente.

Recipe Snapshot

Your Simple Shopping List

This recipe comes together with a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. It’s all about simple, powerful flavors.

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→ For the Chicken & Aromatics

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 2-3 of them, diced into bite-sized pieces.
• Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder: The essential dried herbs and spices for that classic chicken parm flavor.
• Yellow Onion & Garlic Cloves: The fresh aromatic base that builds a delicious sauce.
• Olive Oil: Just a drizzle for sautéing.

→ For the Pasta & Sauce

• Short-Cut Pasta: 16 oz of a dried pasta like rigatoni, penne, or ziti. The tubes and ridges are perfect for catching the sauce.
• Your Favorite Marinara Sauce: A 24 oz jar. Use a good quality brand you love, as it’s the heart of the dish.
• Water: We’ll cleverly use the empty marinara jar to measure this out!

→ For the Cheesy Topping & Garnish

• Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese: The iconic cheesy duo! I recommend shredding your own from a block for the best melt.
• Fresh Parsley and/or Basil: For a final burst of freshness and color.
• Salt & Pepper: To season everything to perfection.

Let’s Cook! Making Your One Pot Masterpiece, Step-by-Step

Get ready for the easiest, most rewarding 30 minutes of your day. Grab your Dutch oven or largest pot, and let’s go!

Phase 1: Brown the Chicken & Sauté the Aromatics (Time: ~10 minutes)

This first step builds a crucial layer of flavor that will infuse the entire dish.

1. Season and Cook the Chicken. Drizzle a little olive oil into a large pot or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season it generously with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
   Pro Tip: You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage! Just get it nicely browned on the outside. It will finish cooking later in the sauce. This prevents it from getting dry. Once browned, remove the chicken to a plate.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic. Add the minced onion to the same pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until it softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

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Phase 2: Build the Sauce & Cook the Pasta (Time: ~15 minutes)

This is where the one-pot magic really happens. Everything simmers together to create a rich, flavorful sauce.

3. Create the Sauce. Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the pot. Now for the genius trick: fill the empty marinara jar with water, put the lid back on, give it a good shake to get every last bit of sauce, and pour that water into the pot. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a strong, steady simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta. Add the browned chicken (and any juices from the plate) and the dried pasta to the simmering sauce. Stir everything together well. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente (tender but with a slight bite).

Phase 3: The Cheesy Finish (Time: ~5 minutes)

Now we turn this delicious pasta into true chicken parmesan heaven.

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5. Stir in the Cheese. Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese until they are melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Melt the Topping. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Place the lid back on the pot for another 2-3 minutes to let the residual heat melt the cheese into a gooey, irresistible blanket.
7. Garnish and Serve. Finish with a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning (if desired) and a shower of fresh, minced parsley or basil. Serve hot and enjoy the cheese pulls!

WiseRecipes’ Top Tricks for One Pot Pasta Perfection

• The Marinara Jar Trick: Using the empty marinara jar to measure your water is a brilliant two-for-one. It gives you the perfect amount of liquid and ensures you don’t waste a single drop of that delicious sauce clinging to the inside of the jar.
• Choose the Right Pasta: A short-cut pasta with ridges or tubes, like rigatoni or penne, is ideal for this dish. The shapes are perfect for grabbing and holding onto the rich, creamy sauce.
• Don’t Forget to Stir: While the pasta is cooking, give it a good stir every few minutes. This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures everything cooks evenly.
• Freshly Grated Cheese is Best: For the smoothest, gooiest cheese melt, always try to grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated in anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting as beautifully.
• Let it Rest for a Minute: After the cheese is melted, let the pot sit off the heat for just a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set up and thicken slightly, making it even creamier.

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30-Minute One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

All the great chicken parmesan flavors, combined in one easy one pot pasta dish that’s ready in 30 minutes! Less dishes, but a meal with maximum flavor! Tender chicken, pasta, and a cheesy marinara sauce all cook together.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Pasta

• as needed olive oil
• 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite sized pieces
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 medium yellow onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 16 oz dried short-cut pasta such as rigatoni or penne
• 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
• 1 jar water using the empty marinara sauce jar
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• as needed salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• as needed fresh parsley and/or basil, minced

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven with lid

Method

 

Cook Chicken and Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned. Remove the chicken to a plate.
2. Add the minced onion and garlic to the same pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Cook the One-Pot Pasta

1. Pour in the marinara sauce. Fill the empty sauce jar with water, shake it, and add the water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a strong simmer.
2. Add the chicken and dried pasta to the pot, stir well, then cover. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked to your liking.

Finish with Cheese and Serve

1. Turn off the heat. Stir in the parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
2. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the pot for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.

Notes

The Marinara Jar Trick: Using the empty sauce jar to measure the water is a fantastic way to ensure you get every last bit of sauce and the perfect amount of liquid.

Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best, gooiest melt, grate your own mozzarella and parmesan from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses have additives that can make them melt less smoothly.

Stir It Up: Remember to stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Creative Twists: Delicious Ways to Customize Your Pasta!

• Use Italian Sausage: Swap the chicken for spicy or sweet Italian sausage (casings removed) for a different, incredibly flavorful version.
• Sneak in Some Veggies: Wilt in a few large handfuls of fresh spinach at the end, or sauté some sliced mushrooms or zucchini with the onions.
• Make it Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a fiery arrabbiata-style kick.
• Creamy Rosé Sauce: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the parmesan cheese for an even richer, more decadent sauce.
• Add a Crispy Topping: For that classic chicken parm crunch, toast some panko breadcrumbs in a little butter and sprinkle them over the top before serving.
• Change the Cheese: Try using a smoked mozzarella or a provolone blend for a different cheesy flavor.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Diced boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also fantastic in this recipe and are extra juicy.
• Add a Splash of Wine: Deglaze the pot with a splash of dry red wine after cooking the onions and garlic for another layer of depth.

Keep it Cheesy! Storing & Reheating Instructions

This dish makes for fantastic leftovers, as the flavors continue to meld overnight.

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce, making it even more flavorful.

Reheating

Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce as it reheats. Top with a little fresh cheese for the best result!

FAQs: Your One Pot Pasta Questions, Answered!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite brand of gluten-free short-cut pasta. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the package directions, so keep an eye on it.

What kind of pot works best for this?

A Dutch oven is ideal because it holds heat so evenly. However, any large, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid will work perfectly well.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?

This recipe is written using fresh (thawed) chicken breasts. If you only have frozen, you’ll need to thaw them completely before dicing and cooking them.

My sauce seems too thin/thick. What do I do?

This is easy to adjust! If the sauce seems too thick while the pasta is cooking, add another splash of water. If it seems too thin at the end, simply let it simmer with the lid off for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken.

This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. It’s a hug in a bowl, a time-saving miracle, and a dish that delivers all the comforting, cheesy goodness you could ever want with virtually no cleanup. It’s a recipe that proves you don’t have to choose between easy and delicious. I hope you and your family love this simple, satisfying meal as much as mine does. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!