One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe (40 Min Cheesy Comfort Dinner)
🕒 Prep: 15 min | 🍳 Cook: 25 min | ⏱️ Total: 40 min
👥 Serves: 4 | 🔥 Calories: 650 kcal/serving
🎓 Difficulty: Medium
Why You'll LOVE This One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe ✨
- One Pot Wonder: Cheesy chicken + pasta in 40 min with minimal cleanup!
- Fast Comfort: 30% quicker than classic chicken parmesan
- Diet-Friendly: Gluten-Free Option, High-Protein, Family Favorite
Ingredients 📋
🍗 Chicken & Pasta
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, 1-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 12 oz penne pasta
🍅 Sauce & Toppings
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
💡 Pro Tip: Toast panko in skillet for 2 min = extra crunchy topping!
Instructions (5 Easy Steps) 📝
- 1. Cook Chicken: Season chicken with Italian seasoning + garlic powder + salt + pepper. Heat 2 tbsp oil in large pot, cook 6-8 min → Golden bites!
- 2. Sauté Aromatics: Add 1 tbsp oil + onion + garlic, cook 3 min. Stir in tomato paste, cook 1 min → Rich base!
- 3. Simmer Pasta: Add crushed tomatoes + broth + pasta, boil, then simmer 12-15 min until al dente → One pot magic!
- 4. Add Cheese: Stir in mozzarella + half Parmesan, mix until creamy → Cheesy goodness!
- 5. Serve: Top with panko + remaining Parmesan + basil → Comfort served!
⏰ Timing Hack: Chop onion while chicken cooks – saves 5 minutes!
Pro Tips for PERFECT Results 🎓
- Even Chicken: 1-inch pieces = quick, uniform cooking
- Pasta Check: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
- Storage: Fridge 3 days | Reheat with splash of broth
- Crunch Boost: Broil panko topping 1-2 min after toasting
Variations 🌱
- Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta + GF breadcrumbs
- Rich Swap: Fresh mozzarella for creamier melt
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach or mushrooms with onions
- Spicy: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes with garlic
FAQ ❓
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Add 2 min cook time, juicier result
Make ahead?
Yes! Cook fully, fridge 3 days, reheat 10 min with extra broth
Can I freeze?
Yes! Freeze without cheese/panko, 2 months. Add fresh toppings when reheating
Nutrition (Per Serving) 🥗
Calories: 650 | Protein: 40g | Carbs: 60g | Fat: 28g
High-Protein ✓ One-Pot ✓ Family-Friendly ✓
Serve With 🍽️
- Garlic Bread – Sauce-dipping heaven
- Green Salad – Fresh balance
- Red Wine – Merlot or Chianti
Reader Reviews ⭐
"ONE POT = NO STRESS! So cheesy!" – Mia, FL
"Kids devoured it! Weeknight win!" – Omar, CA
