At RecipeCookOnline.com, we’re all about simplifying your culinary journey while elevating your dining experience. Dive into the world of comforting and flavorful dishes with our One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe.
This dish embodies the essence of home-cooked goodness, bringing together the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a convenient and fuss-free pasta format. With minimal prep and cleanup required, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting and satisfying.
Imagine tender chicken pieces nestled in a bed of al dente pasta, all simmered together in a rich and savory tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs and spices. The result? A hearty and flavorful meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and convenience. By cooking everything in one pot, you not only save time but also allow the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
And the best part? You can have this One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta on the table in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
As you explore our One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe, be sure to check out our other delicious offerings, including BLT Pasta Salad and Baked Feta Pasta. With RecipeCookOnline.com, every meal is a delicious adventure waiting to be savored.
What Ingredients Are Included in the One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
The One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta typically includes the following ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Pasta: Short pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.
- Tomato Sauce: Canned or homemade marinara sauce or tomato sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Adds flavor and helps cook the pasta.
- Garlic: Minced garlic cloves for aromatic flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese for topping the dish.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and garlic.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Optional ingredients may include:
- Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil leaves for garnish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat.
- Breadcrumbs: For added texture and crunch on top.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish.
These ingredients come together to create a delicious and comforting One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why Should We Consider One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
Consider the One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe for its sheer convenience and simplicity. With just one pot and a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying and flavorful meal without the hassle of multiple dishes to clean afterward. This makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights when time and energy are in short supply.
Moreover, this recipe offers a creative twist on the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan, transforming them into a comforting pasta dish that’s sure to please the whole family. By simmering the chicken, pasta, and sauce together in one pot, the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Another reason to consider this recipe is its versatility. While traditional Chicken Parmesan requires breading and frying the chicken, this one-pot version simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. Plus, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the seasonings or adding extra ingredients like vegetables or herbs.
Additionally, the One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. By using simple, pantry-staple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal without breaking the bank. It’s a great way to stretch your grocery budget while still enjoying a hearty and satisfying dish.
Overall, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to enjoy on a lazy Sunday afternoon, the One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe is a must-try. With its convenience, versatility, and budget-friendly nature, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household in no time.
How To Make One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
- Sauté Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Sauce and Broth: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Pour in a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce or tomato sauce and 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Pasta and Seasonings: Stir in 8 ounces of uncooked pasta (such as penne or rotini) and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the pasta simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Add Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.
- Finish Cooking: Cover the pot again and let the pasta sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve the One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta hot, straight from the pot.
Notes:
Here are some helpful notes to keep in mind when making One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta:
- Pasta Type: Use short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle for best results. These shapes hold up well in the sauce and provide a good balance of pasta to sauce ratio.
- Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and quicker preparation. You can also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for added flavor and moisture.
- Garlic: Be careful not to burn the minced garlic when sautéing it in the pot. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish.
- Sauce Consistency: The sauce will thicken as it simmers with the pasta. If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is fully cooked, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.
- Cheese Melting: Make sure to cover the pot with a lid after adding the mozzarella cheese to help it melt evenly and create that gooey, cheesy topping.
- Garnish: Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish for One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish. Feel free to sprinkle some chopped basil over the finished pasta before serving.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add extra veggies like diced bell peppers or spinach to sneak in more nutrients, or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
By keeping these notes in mind, you can create a delicious and satisfying One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
FAQs:
- Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe? Yes, you can use different types of pasta such as penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape used.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are often more flavorful and moist than chicken breasts, so feel free to use them in this recipe if you prefer.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this dish by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While this dish is best served fresh, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth or sauce when reheating.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers of One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta for future meals. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What can I serve with One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta? This dish is delicious on its own but can be served with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs well with a variety of sides, so feel free to get creative!
- Can I adjust the seasonings to suit my taste preferences? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to suit your taste preferences. You can also add extra herbs or spices for added flavor.
- How long does it take to cook the pasta in one pot? The pasta typically takes about 15-20 minutes to cook in the sauce, but cooking times may vary depending on the type of pasta used and the heat level. Be sure to check the pasta for doneness and adjust the cooking time as needed.
One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce or tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta such as penne or rotini
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pot, add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Sauce and Broth: Return cooked chicken to the pot. Pour in marinara sauce and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring mixture to a simmer.
- Add Pasta and Seasonings: Stir in uncooked pasta and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow mixture to come to a gentle boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover pot, and let pasta simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked al dente and sauce has thickened.
- Add Cheese: Once pasta is cooked, stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.
- Finish Cooking: Cover pot again and let pasta sit for a few minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta hot.