One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

One-pot meals are a lifesaver for busy individuals who want a delicious, home-cooked meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. These meals are not only time-saving but also easy to clean up, making them a go-to choice for weeknight dinners. One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a perfect example of a dish that combines comfort and convenience in one pot, with all the flavor of the classic chicken Parmesan you love. It’s cheesy, savory, and satisfying, offering a healthy twist on the traditional version.

For an easy variation, you might want to try out this delicious Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe on Delish, which shows how to make a similar dish but with slightly different ingredients. One-pot pasta recipes like this are perfect for busy weeknights when you want to get dinner on the table fast.

The Health Benefits and Nutritional Value of One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Not only is One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. The combination of chicken, whole-grain pasta, and marinara sauce provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a well-rounded meal that can fuel your day. Plus, the inclusion of cheese adds calcium and flavor.

Key Nutrients:

• Protein: The chicken in this dish provides lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
• Carbohydrates: Pasta is an excellent source of carbohydrates, which provide energy. Opting for whole wheat pasta adds fiber to help with digestion and overall health.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil and mozzarella cheese provide healthy fats, which are necessary for your body to absorb vitamins and maintain energy levels throughout the day.

If you’re looking for more Mediterranean-style one-pot meals that are healthy and easy to prepare, you can find some inspiration in EatingWell’s one-pot Mediterranean diet recipes.

Essential Ingredients and Variations

The beauty of One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is that it’s both delicious and customizable. You can stick with the classic ingredients or switch things up depending on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Below, you’ll find the essential ingredients that form the base of this dish, as well as some great ways to make it your own.

Core Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
• Pasta (regular or whole wheat for extra fiber)
• Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Garlic, olive oil, and Italian seasoning for flavor

These ingredients create the core of a simple and tasty dish. However, feel free to make it your own by experimenting with different types of pasta or seasonings.

Variations:

• Whole wheat pasta: A healthy alternative to traditional pasta, adding more fiber to the dish.
• Vegan cheese: Replace the mozzarella and Parmesan with plant-based cheeses to make this dish vegan-friendly.
• Additional vegetables: Add extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a nutritional boost.
• Gluten-free pasta: For those with gluten sensitivities, you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta.

This recipe is versatile, so you can adjust it to fit your preferences or dietary needs while still keeping it simple and delicious.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

The first step in making One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is to prepare the chicken. You’ll want to cut it into bite-sized pieces to ensure that it cooks quickly and evenly. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, making sure to coat it evenly.

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides.
3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Cooking the Pasta:

Now, it’s time to cook the pasta directly in the same pot. This is where the magic of one-pot meals happens—everything comes together with minimal cleanup!

4. Add the pasta to the pot along with marinara sauce and a bit of water or chicken broth to help the pasta cook.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is al dente (usually about 10-12 minutes). You may need to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Adding the Cheese:

The final step is where all the cheesy goodness comes into play.

6. Once the pasta is cooked, return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot, stirring until the cheese melts and coats the pasta and chicken. The dish should be creamy and bubbling with cheese.

Serving the Dish:

Once the dish is finished, serve it hot with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. For an extra touch, you can drizzle a little bit of olive oil and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While this dish is simple, here are some tips to avoid common issues and ensure your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta turns out perfectly every time:

• Overcooked pasta: If you overcook the pasta, it can become mushy. Be sure to check the pasta towards the end of the cook time and test for al dente texture.
• Dry pasta: If you notice that the pasta isn’t getting enough moisture, add more chicken broth or water and stir occasionally.
• Uneven seasoning: Taste the sauce and pasta before serving and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you prefer a little more flavor, add extra garlic, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for heat.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can easily perfect your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta every time.

Storage, Reheating, and Leftover Ideas

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta is great for meal prepping or storing leftovers. Here’s how you can keep the dish fresh for later:

• Storage: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the pasta in a pot over low heat. You may need to add a little extra marinara sauce or chicken broth to maintain the creamy texture.
• Leftover ideas: You can repurpose leftovers into a chicken Parmesan pasta bake by topping it with extra cheese and baking it in the oven until golden and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions about One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta:

• Can I use gluten-free pasta?

  • Yes! Just swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

  • Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.

• Can I prepare this ahead of time?

  • Absolutely! Prepare thPrint
    

    One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

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    • Author: iyma hernandes
    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings 1x

    Print Recipe

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    Description

    A delicious and easy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta that combines tender chicken, marinara sauce, and melty cheese in a single pan for a comforting meal.

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    Ingredients

    Scale 1x2x3x

    • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    • 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
    • 3 cups marinara sauce
    • 2 cups water or chicken broth
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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    Instructions

    1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
    2. In the same pot, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    3. Add pasta, marinara sauce, and water or chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.
    4. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
    5. Return cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
    6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir until melted and creamy.
    7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

    Notes

    For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary variations.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Category: Main Course
    • Method: One-Pot
    • Cuisine: Italian-American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 bowl
    • Calories: 450
    • Sugar: 6g
    • Sodium: 720mg
    • Fat: 15g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Carbohydrates: 50g
    • Fiber: 5g
    • Protein: 35g
    • Cholesterol: 80mg

    Keywords: one-pot pasta, chicken parmesan, easy dinner, weeknight meal

    e pasta and sauce ahead of time, then simply add the cheese and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

• What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

  • If you’re looking for an alternative, try Pecorino Romano or a vegan cheese option.

• Can I freeze this dish?

  • Yes, One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool before storing it in a freezer-safe container.