Hearty Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Craving delicious Italian comfort food without the fuss? Our One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate answer! This incredibly easy recipe combines uncooked pasta, tender chicken, and a handful of simple ingredients into one baking dish, then bakes to cheesy, saucy perfection. Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans – this convenient method delivers a flavorful, family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.

Author’s Note

My Go-To Dinner for Busy Nights, Guaranteed to Please!

As a busy cook, finding recipes that are both incredibly easy and universally loved by the whole family is a dream come true. My kids, like many, have a soft spot for classic pasta with marinara sauce. After the overwhelming success of my creamy tuna casserole, I was inspired to create another comforting, one-pot wonder, but this time featuring a rich marinara pasta base.

Drawing inspiration from the beloved flavors of traditional chicken parm, I set out to develop a dish that captured all that cheesy, savory goodness in the simplest way possible. The result? This sensational One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta. It’s truly a game-changer for those evenings when time is short, but expectations for a delicious meal are high.

Imagine this: you simply add uncooked chicken, uncooked pasta, and a few pantry staples to a single baking dish. The oven then takes over, working its magic to transform these humble ingredients into a bubbling, cheesy, and intensely flavorful meal. No pre-boiling pasta, no searing chicken, no extra pots to scrub. It’s seriously that effortless! And trust me, when this delectable dish hits the dinner table, the only sounds you’ll hear are contented sighs, not complaints.

This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s smart cooking. It leverages the power of your oven to create a deeply infused flavor profile as the pasta absorbs the marinara and chicken broth, while the chicken cooks perfectly within the sauce. The cheese melts into a golden, irresistible crust, making every bite a delightful experience. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like an expert chef, even on your busiest days.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Crafting this incredible one-pan dish requires just a few key ingredients. Quality matters, especially since they all cook together, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is important:

• Uncooked Chicken: For this recipe, we recommend dicing chicken into 1/2-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking alongside the pasta and helps the chicken absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Both chicken breast and thighs work wonderfully; thighs will offer a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture.
• Italian Seasoning: This herb blend is a powerhouse of flavor, typically containing basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. It effortlessly infuses the chicken and sauce with classic Italian aromas, mimicking the traditional Chicken Parmesan taste.
• Rotini Pasta: The magic of this recipe lies in using uncooked pasta directly in the pan. Rotini, with its spiral shape, is ideal as it holds the sauce beautifully. Other short, sturdy pasta shapes that cook within 9-13 minutes, like penne, fusilli, or farfalle, can also be used. Always check package cooking times if substituting.
• Chicken Broth or Stock: This liquid is crucial for cooking the pasta and creating a rich, savory base for the sauce. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth or stock to have better control over the overall saltiness of your dish. It adds depth that water simply cannot provide.
• Marinara Sauce: As the primary flavor component, your choice of marinara sauce is paramount. Select a high-quality brand that you genuinely enjoy the taste of. A robust, well-seasoned marinara will elevate the entire dish, providing that authentic Italian foundation.
• Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the most vibrant and pungent flavor, which is highly recommended. However, if you’re short on time, jarred minced garlic can also be used in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly milder.
• Cheese (Mozzarella & Parmesan): A generous amount of cheese is essential for that signature Chicken Parmesan experience. For the best melt and flavor, we strongly recommend grating your own mozzarella from a block. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese also offers superior taste and texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, providing a fantastic crunchy topping. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, toast the panko in butter before sprinkling it over the pasta.

Effortless Steps to Make One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Get ready for the easiest dinner ever! This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum effort. Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting dish to your table:

1. Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the pasta from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
2. Season the Chicken: On a clean cutting board, pat your chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Dice them into small 1/2-inch cubes. Toss the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning ensures the chicken is flavorful from the inside out.
3. Assemble the Dish: In your greased baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, marinara sauce, minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir these ingredients thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated and submerged in the liquid. Next, arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the pasta mixture in an even layer, trying to avoid too much overlapping for consistent cooking.
4. First Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam, allowing the pasta to cook perfectly and the chicken to tenderize in the flavorful sauce. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
5. Add Cheese and Final Bake: Carefully remove the foil from the hot dish (watch out for steam!). Give everything a good stir to combine the chicken and pasta. Stir in 1 cup of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese until it’s melted and incorporated into the sauce. Then, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, along with the optional toasted panko breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese is golden and caramelized.
6. Serve Immediately: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle. Garnish with ribbon-sliced fresh basil, if desired, for a burst of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your incredibly easy and delicious One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta!

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Pasta

While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta from great to absolutely unforgettable. Pay attention to these details for consistently delicious results:

• Serve Fresh from the Oven: For optimal texture and flavor, it’s best to serve Chicken Parm Pasta immediately after it finishes baking and resting. Like most baked pasta dishes, if left to sit for too long, the pasta will continue to absorb moisture from the sauce, potentially becoming softer than desired. Enjoy it hot and bubbly!
• Invest in a High-Quality Marinara Sauce: Since marinara is the star of this dish, choose a brand you genuinely love. A rich, flavorful marinara, such as Rao’s®, with its deep, homemade taste and hearty texture, can make a significant difference. Many other brands can be quite watery, which might slightly reduce the crunchiness of the topping, though the flavor remains great.
• Dice Chicken Evenly for Uniform Cooking: Precision matters when dicing your chicken. Aim for uniform 1/2-inch pieces. This ensures that every piece of chicken cooks thoroughly and evenly in the allotted baking time, preventing any undercooked or overcooked sections.
• Choose Quality Chicken Stock: A good chicken stock provides a foundational layer of flavor. Look for high-quality brands like Swanson®. If you’re using chicken broth instead, which can sometimes be less concentrated in flavor, you might need to adjust the seasoning by adding a bit more salt and pepper to taste.
• Toast Your Panko for Maximum Crunch: While optional, toasting the panko breadcrumbs in butter before adding them to the dish is highly recommended. This extra step develops a deeper, nuttier flavor and ensures a truly crispy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender pasta and saucy chicken. You can do this on the stovetop or even in the microwave for speed.
• Freshly Grated Cheese is Best: For both mozzarella and Parmesan, grating your own cheese from a block will yield superior melting properties and a more authentic flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting, and canned Parmesan can be overly salty and doesn’t melt as nicely into the sauce.

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Rated 5 stars from 3 votes

One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta

By

Chelsea Lords

This One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate easy dinner. Simply toss uncooked pasta, diced chicken, and a few simple ingredients into one baking dish, then bake until perfectly cheesy, saucy, and incredibly delicious! It’s a guaranteed family favorite for busy weeknights.

Prep Time:

15
minutes

Cook Time:

40
minutes

Total Time:

55
minutes

Servings:

4
servings

Video

A video demonstration of this recipe is available. Watch the Recipe Video Here.

Equipment

• 9 x 13-inch baking pan
• Aluminum foil
• Large skillet (optional, for toasting panko)

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 2 cups uncooked diced chicken tender pieces (or boneless chicken breast, see Note 1)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• 2-1/2 cups rotini pasta (8 ounces, uncooked)
• 1-1/2 cups chicken broth (or stock)
• 2-1/4 cups marinara sauce (see Note 2)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (see Note 3)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (see Note 4, optional for topping)
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

• 1. Preheat Oven & Grease Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• 2. Prepare & Season Chicken: Pat chicken tenders dry with a paper towel, then dice them into small 1/2-inch pieces. If using boneless chicken breast, cut into similar 1/2-inch pieces. In a bowl or directly on a cutting board, toss the diced chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste (a good starting point is 1 teaspoon of salt and 3/4 teaspoon of pepper). Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated.

• 3. Assemble & First Bake: Add the uncooked rotini pasta, chicken broth, marinara sauce, minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the greased pan. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until the pasta is well coated and submerged in the liquid. Then, arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in an even layer on top of the pasta mixture. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

• 4. (Optional) Prepare Panko Topping: While the pasta bakes, you can prepare the crispy panko topping. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the panko breadcrumbs and salt to taste (e.g., a heaping 1/4 teaspoon). Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until the panko is lightly browned and crispy. Set aside. If you prefer a quicker method, melt butter in the microwave, then mix in panko and salt.

• 5. Final Cheese & Bake: Carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Stir all the ingredients together really well to ensure the chicken and pasta are evenly distributed and coated in sauce. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until it begins to melt and mix into the sauce. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, along with your optional toasted panko breadcrumbs. Return the pan to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese topping is golden brown.

• 6. Rest & Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully. If desired, sprinkle a handful of ribbon-sliced fresh basil over the top just before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Chicken Preparation: The 2 cups of diced chicken typically equate to about 3/4 pound of chicken tenders. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also be used. Regardless of the cut, ensure you trim and discard any fat or tendons. It is crucial to dice the chicken into small 1/2-inch pieces to guarantee that it cooks thoroughly and evenly in the same amount of time as the pasta.

Note 2: Choosing Your Marinara Sauce: The marinara sauce is the backbone of this dish’s flavor profile. Therefore, selecting a brand you absolutely love is key. We highly recommend Rao’s® marinara sauce for its rich, balanced flavor and ideal consistency (this is not a sponsored recommendation, just a personal preference!). While other marinaras can be used, some tend to be more watery, which might result in a slightly less crispy topping, though the overall dish will still be delicious.

Note 3: The Secret to Great Parmesan: For the best flavor and melting quality, use a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself using the small holes of a box grater or a microplane. This yields a much fresher taste and ensures it melts beautifully into the sauce. Alternatively, finely shredded Parmesan cheese can be used. Avoid pre-grated Parmesan from a can, as it is often too salty, has a different texture, and doesn’t melt as nicely, potentially leaving a grainy texture.

Note 4: Why Panko?: Panko breadcrumbs are a type of Japanese breadcrumb that is coarser, larger, and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs. This unique texture allows them to absorb less oil and become significantly crispier, creating a superior crunchy topping for your Chicken Parmesan Pasta. For a more in-depth explanation, you can read this article about panko.

Storage & Freezing: As detailed in the “Storage” section above, leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For extended enjoyment, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months, ensuring you allow for proper thawing and gentle reheating.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 469 kcal | Carbohydrates: 53.6 g | Protein: 34.2 g | Fat: 12.7 g | Cholesterol: 67.3 mg | Sodium: 2800.4 mg | Fiber: 2.6 g | Sugar: 7 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is provided as an estimate only. It should be used as an approximation and may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

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What to Serve with One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a wonderfully hearty and satisfying meal all on its own, making it a complete one-dish dinner. However, if you’re looking to round out the meal or add some fresh counterpoints, here are some easy and delicious side dish suggestions that pair perfectly and can be prepared while your pasta bakes:

• Fresh Garden Salads: A crisp, light salad is an excellent way to balance the richness of the pasta. Opt for a simple greens-and-veggies salad like a refreshing Garden Salad, packed with seasonal vegetables and a vinaigrette, or a classic Caesar Salad with its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons. Even a convenient Caesar salad kit from your local grocery store works beautifully!
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and tender-crisp texture of vegetables. They are simple to prepare and cook alongside the pasta, if desired. We highly recommend Roasted Broccoli, Roasted Green Beans, or a colorful Roasted Vegetable medley featuring bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
• Crusty Bread for Sopping: No Italian-inspired pasta dish is complete without something to soak up every last drop of that amazing marinara sauce. Serve with warm garlic bread, soft breadsticks, or fluffy Dinner Rolls. The perfect vehicle to enjoy all the cheesy, saucy goodness.
• Crunchy, No-Lettuce Salads: For a different kind of fresh side, consider a salad that skips the traditional lettuce base but still offers a delightful crunch and tang. Try a vibrant Broccoli Salad with its creamy dressing and sweet undertones, or a refreshing Cucumber Salad, which provides a cool and crisp contrast.