If you’re looking for a dinner that brings together comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor, you’ve got to try this One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe. It’s a brilliantly simple dish where tender chicken, hearty pasta, and a rich marinara sauce meld together with cheesy goodness, all cooked in a single pan. This recipe is your ticket to deliciousness without the mess, perfect for those busy nights when you want incredible food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to create a meal bursting with Italian-inspired flavors. Each component plays a key role in building the dish’s delightful balance of taste, texture, and color that makes the One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed): Tender chicken chunks provide hearty protein and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing (not creamy): Adds a zesty marinade punch that flavors the chicken perfectly before cooking.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- 16 ounces dry rigatoni pasta (1 box): The perfect pasta shape that holds onto sauce in every bite.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade variety to bring rich tomato goodness.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth and melts into the sauce for creaminess.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melty top layer everyone loves in Chicken Parmesan.
- Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish): A fresh, aromatic touch that brightens the finished dish.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the cubed chicken and Italian dressing into the pan, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper. The dressing not only seasons the chicken but also helps it brown nicely, locking in juices and building a flavorful foundation for your dish.
Step 2: Cook Until Golden
Allow the chicken to cook until it’s browned on the outside and just cooked through on the inside. This usually takes about 5 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. You want the chicken to be juicy but fully cooked before adding anything else.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Sauce
Now it’s time to pour in the dry rigatoni and the entire jar of marinara sauce. Use the empty marinara jar to measure water and add it to the skillet as well—this helps the pasta cook evenly in the sauce. Give everything a gentle stir to combine but don’t worry about stirring too much once it’s simmering.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your mixture to a boil, then turn down the heat to a low simmer and cover the skillet. Let the pasta cook in the sauce for about 15 minutes until it’s perfectly tender. This step is where the pasta absorbs all those robust flavors, turning the dish into a luscious one-pan wonder.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan over the pasta and chicken, then top it with shredded mozzarella. Leave it covered as the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crown. If you want to take it up a notch, pop the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes to get that beautifully browned and extra-melty finish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil for a pop of vibrant green and a lovely herbal aroma. Now your One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is ready to enjoy—straight from the skillet to your plate!
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic garnish that adds brightness and color to the dish. You can also sprinkle on extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. These simple touches elevate the presentation and flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta dish stands well on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of that savory marinara sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve the pasta straight from the skillet at the center of the table. Alternatively, plate individual servings in shallow bowls and garnish each with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe, simply allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, keeping flavors intact for your next meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for longer storage by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. When frozen, it’s best eaten within 2 months to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water or extra marinara sauce before reheating helps keep the pasta moist and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect for capturing sauce, penne, ziti, or even rotini would work wonderfully in the One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe.
Do I need to use Italian dressing for the chicken?
The Italian dressing adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have it, a simple mix of olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning can be a great substitute.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the rigatoni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Definitely! Homemade marinara will add an extra layer of freshness and personality to the dish, making the One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe even more special.
What if I want a spicier version?
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some on top with your garnish to give the dish a spicy kick without overpowering its comforting flavors.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is truly a game-changer when you want a satisfying, flavorful meal that doesn’t demand a mountain of cleanup. It’s the kind of comfort food you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, delighting family and friends with every cheesy, saucy bite. Give it a try soon—you’re going to love how easy and delicious dinners can be with just one pan.
Print
One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe combines tender, browned chicken breast with rigatoni pasta simmered in a rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy, comforting Italian-inspired dish prepared in a single skillet, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing (not creamy)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 16 ounces dry rigatoni pasta (1 box)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Water (use empty marinara jar to measure or about 2 cups if using stockpot)
Cheese and Garnish
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and Italian dressing, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and just cooked through, approximately 5 minutes depending on thickness.
- Add Pasta and Marinara: Pour in the dry rigatoni pasta and entire jar of marinara sauce. Fill the empty marinara jar with water and add to the skillet (or add about 2 cups water if using a stockpot). Lightly stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 15 minutes or until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese: Remove the lid and sprinkle the top evenly with grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Do not stir the cheese in at this point.
- Melt the Cheese: Continue cooking covered for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. For an extra melty and slightly golden topping, place the skillet under a broiler for about 4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful one-pan meal!
Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve even cooking and allows you to finish under the broiler for melted cheese.
- If you prefer your pasta more al dente, reduce the simmering time slightly and keep testing the pasta.
- The Italian dressing adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken, but avoid creamy dressings to keep the sauce balanced.
- If using a stockpot instead of a skillet, increase the water to ensure the pasta cooks properly.
- Broiling the skillet at the end is optional but gives the cheese a nice bubbly finish.
