Speedy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe For Busy Nights

Sizzling aromas of herbs and melted cheese waft through the kitchen during this irresistible one-pot chicken Parmesan delight recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup.

Tender chicken breasts nestle perfectly in a rich, zesty sauce, creating a meal that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

The magic happens when classic Italian seasonings mingle with crispy golden breadcrumbs and perfectly cooked chicken.

Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Home cooks will appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

The simplicity of preparing everything in a single pot means less time washing dishes and more time savoring every delectable bite.

Dive into this culinary adventure and watch as a weeknight dinner becomes an extraordinary experience.

Serving Chicken Parmesan in a Cozy Bowl

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather around the table with loved ones, serving this hearty one-pot chicken parmesan in large, rustic bowls that showcase the bubbling cheese and vibrant herbs.
• Gourmet Salad Pairing: Create a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy pasta dish perfectly.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Toast some crusty Italian bread with garlic butter and sprinkle with parmesan to complement the flavors and help soak up the delicious sauce.
• Wine Lover's Choice: Enhance the meal with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir, which beautifully matches the tomato sauce and cheesy chicken elements.

How to Store This One-Pot Meal Smoothly

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe on weekends and portion into meal-prep containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Refrigerated portions stay delicious for 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the dish completely before transferring to airtight freezer containers. This one-pot wonder freezes beautifully for up to 2 months, providing a stress-free meal solution for busy nights.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra marinara to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Smart Ingredient Swap: Keep the base recipe consistent but rotate protein types like ground turkey, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives to create variety without changing the core cooking method. Fresh herbs and extra cheese can elevate each version.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for One-Pot Chicken Parmesan

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds heartiness and satisfies hunger, choose boneless skinless cuts for quick cooking and easy preparation.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, nutty flavor with subtle saltiness, select authentic aged Italian variety for best taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates creamy melted texture and golden topping, opt for whole milk version for superior smoothness.

• Italian Seasoning: Delivers authentic Mediterranean herb blend, look for fresh, fragrant mix without excessive salt.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep savory undertone, choose pure ground garlic without additional preservatives.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that amplify overall taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum aroma.

• Marinara Sauce: Delivers tangy tomato base, select high-quality jarred sauce or homemade for robust flavor.
• Dried Pasta: Serves as hearty foundation, choose medium-sized shapes like penne or rotini for ideal sauce absorption.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor complexity, select firm yellow onions with no soft spots.
• Garlic: Introduces aromatic depth, pick firm cloves without green sprouts.
• Olive Oil: Provides cooking medium and subtle richness, choose extra virgin for best quality.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Offers bright finishing touch, select vibrant green leaves without wilting.

Kitchen Tools for Simmering and Baking in One

• Large Pot or Skillet: Essential for cooking the entire one-pot meal, providing enough space for chicken, vegetables, pasta, and sauce.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for dicing chicken and chopping onions and garlic safely.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp and reliable for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring water and cheese quantities.
• Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if using fresh Parmesan or mozzarella cheese.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken Parmesan

• Chicken Prep

Brown diced chicken in a pot with olive oil over medium-high heat. Season with herbs and spices for rich flavor. Cook until chicken is nearly done, then set aside.

• Flavor Base

Sauté onions and garlic in the same pot until soft and fragrant, creating a delicious foundation for the dish.

• Sauce and Pasta Harmony

Pour marinara sauce into the pot, add water, and bring to a gentle simmer. Return chicken to the pot and add pasta, allowing everything to meld together.

• Simmering Magic

Cover and let the mixture cook for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

• Cheesy Finale

Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella into the pot, stirring until cheese melts completely. Top with additional mozzarella and let it become bubbly and golden.

• Serving Elegance

Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting one-pot meal that brings everyone together.

Tips to Nail That Crispy-Cheesy Chicken Finish

• Chicken Pasta Magic Tricks: Easy Flavor Boosters
• Protein Power Play: Swap chicken with ground turkey, shrimp, or plant-based crumbles for a delightful protein twist that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone, fontina, or pecorino romano to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic recipe.
• Veggie Volume: Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers during the sauté stage to increase nutrition and add vibrant colors and textures to your one-pot wonder.
• Spice Adventure: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or a spoonful of hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicier dining experience.

Cheesy One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pot chicken parmesan delight brings Italian comfort straight to home kitchens. Cheesy chicken nestled with pasta creates a simple, satisfying meal promising pure culinary pleasure for hungry diners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken fillets, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 16 oz (454 g) dried short-cut pasta (e.g., rigatoni)
• 24 oz (680 g) jar of marinara sauce (e.g., Newman’s Own)
• 1 cup water
• 1 medium yellow onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional
• Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat a substantial pot with olive oil over medium-high heat, creating an ideal searing environment for the chicken.
2. Chicken Seasoning and Searing: Coat chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and garlic powder, then expertly sear until golden and almost fully cooked, capturing rich flavors and caramelized exterior.
3. Aromatic Base: In the same pot, sauté minced onion and garlic until soft and translucent, developing a fragrant foundation for the sauce.
4. Sauce Development: Pour marinara sauce into the pot, rinsing the jar with water to incorporate every remnant of flavor, then strategically place chicken back into the liquid.
5. Pasta Integration: Distribute dried pasta throughout the sauce, ensuring complete submersion, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cover, allowing ingredients to harmonize and pasta to cook perfectly.
6. Cheese Transformation: Once pasta reaches al dente texture, fold in Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until cheeses melt luxuriously into the sauce, creating a creamy, indulgent consistency.
7. Final Embellishment: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella across the top, letting it bubble and turn golden, then garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant, appetizing presentation.
8. Serving: Plate immediately, showcasing the dish’s compelling blend of textures and flavors at peak temperature.

Notes

• Master Chicken Searing: Achieve golden-brown perfection by ensuring chicken pieces are dry before seasoning and searing, which locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust.
• Pasta Submersion Secret: Completely cover pasta with liquid to guarantee even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked spots, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Add cheese gradually and off direct heat to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy sauce texture that coats every ingredient.
• One-Pot Cleanup Hack: Use the same pot for multiple cooking stages to maximize flavor development and minimize dish washing, capturing every delicious remnant from each step.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 75 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg