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One Pot Chicken Parm Pasta: Quick Weeknight Dinner

Close-up of a fork lifting cheesy one pot chicken parm pasta, showing a dramatic mozzarella cheese pull.
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Make classic Chicken Parmesan flavors in one pot. This easy recipe cooks chicken, pasta, and sauce together for minimal cleanup and a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 8 ounces dry penne or rotini pasta
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly browned on all sides. The chicken does not need to be cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, and oregano into the pot. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
  4. Add the dry pasta to the simmering liquid. Stir well to prevent sticking. Cover the pot and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nearly tender.
  5. Return the lightly browned chicken pieces to the pot. Stir gently. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta has absorbed most of the liquid.
  6. If using, stir in the heavy cream until combined.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the pot again for 3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
  8. Stir gently to combine the melted cheese into the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving this simple one pot meal prep dish.

Notes

  • For best texture, lightly brown the chicken first. This prevents it from becoming mushy when simmering with the pasta.
  • If the sauce seems too thick after the pasta is done, add a splash of extra broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • This recipe works well as a family friendly one pan dinner and reheats well for lunch the next day.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/one-pot-chicken-parm-pasta/