Chicken parmesan pasta is my favorite one-pan pasta recipe. An easy and delicious dinner with just a few ingredients– what could be better? Oh, I know! The fact that I don’t have to fry up chicken cutlets! This chicken pasta skillet is my go-to easy dinner recipe anytime I am craving comfort food.
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If you love classic chicken parmesan as much as I do, this easy weeknight meal is sure to be a hit! Count ’em– you’re just 6 ingredients away from a delicious dinner! This one-pot chicken parmesan pasta is a truly simple recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s almost always on the menu at my house.
What’s in This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
- Chicken: I like boneless, skinless chicken breasts to keep this dish on the healthier side, but thighs also work.
- Italian Dressing: Adds a ton of Italian flavor. Make sure to use the oily kind, not the creamy kind.
- Pasta: I like rigatoni, but any short pasta shape will work.
- Marinara Sauce: Adds that classic tomato flavor. I used store-bought, but when I have time, homemade is great!
- Cheese: A mixture of freshly shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses make this dish gooey, creamy, and cheesy.
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Tips for Success
- No Italian dressing? Mix some Italian seasoning into a tablespoon each of oil and vinegar.
- For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for some diced eggplant!
- To make this dish in the oven, follow the recipe through step 4, placing the covered skillet in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes instead of letting it simmer on the stovetop. Add the cheese and return to the oven.
- To make the top layer of cheese extra melty (yum!) just pop the skillet under the broiler for 3-4 minutes.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover chicken parmesan pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
I love that you don’t even need a side dish with this delicious one-pan chicken parm recipe. I usually just serve it with some crusty garlic bread and call it a day. Oh and some wine— can’t forget the wine! Wine and pasta is a great combo for making dinner at home feel like a special occasion.
5-Star Review
This is one of my family’s favorite go to meals. Which is a win for me because of how simple & fast it is! – Abby
One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
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Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons Italian dressing (not the creamy kind)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 16 ounces dry rigatoni pasta (1 box)
- 24 ounces Marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh basil optional, for garnish
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Heat the chicken and Italian dressing in a 12-inch cast iron skillet set over medium high heat (If you don't own a large skillet, you can use a stock pot). Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste.3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons Italian dressing, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Cook chicken until browned and just cooked through, about 5 minutes depending on thickness of chicken.
- Add the box of pasta and the entire jar of marinara. Fill the empty marinara jar with water and add to the skillet. If using a stockpot, use 2 cups water. Lightly stir the mixture to combine.16 ounces dry rigatoni pasta, 24 ounces Marinara sauce
- Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender to your liking (see note).
- Cover with grated Parmesan and then shredded mozzarella. No need to stir. Continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes or until cheese is fully melted. You can also broil the entire skillet for about 4 minutes to make the cheese extra melty!½ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Top with chopped basil (optional) and serve! Enjoy!Chopped fresh basil
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- Note: The pasta in the middle of the skillet and underneath will be more tender than the outside pasta. It’s okay if those pieces are a bit toastier and less soft. The inside will be plenty soft.
- Properly cooked chicken should register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Nutrition Information
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Step by Step
Season the Chicken: Heat 3 cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts and 2 tablespoons of Italian dressing in a 12-inch cast iron skillet set over medium-high heat. Season chicken with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken until browned and just cooked through, about 5 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Add the Pasta: Add 16 ounces (1 box) of rigatoni and a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce to the pan. Fill the empty marinara jar with water and add to the skillet. If using a stockpot, use 2 cups water. Lightly stir the mixture to combine.
Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender to your liking.
Add the Cheese: Cover with ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan and then ½ cup of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese. No need to stir. Continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes or until cheese is fully melted. You can also broil the entire skillet for about 4 minutes to make the cheese extra melty! Top with chopped basil (optional) and serve!
How much does the chicken breast weigh?
About 6 ounces each.
I haven’t tried this yet, I have a question – how much chicken is 3 chicken breasts? I can go to a supermarket butcher and they can be 3/4 – 1 lb each or buy the wrapped (Fosters/Tyson) and 3 breasts could be under 1 pound.
Great question! I’d say about 4-6 ounces per breast.
Ian looking forward trying out your chicken Parmesa pasta skillet
what a pretty looking meal… corn is my fav too..
Quick & easy, which I like. I’m loving the addition of chicken & Italian dressing in this pasta dish. I always use “Wishbone Light Italian” dressing, since it has a much less calories & fat, but is still very tasty. I usually have some of my homemade sauce in the freezer, so I’ll use that, and I like to use whole grain pasta whenever possible. I’ll be making this dish very soon, ’cause we’re all craving a good pasta dinner after this long hot summer.
YAY! So happy to hear that :)
I’m a complete novice, have been interested in learning to cook for years but it just never happened. Decided to MAKE it happen, and am using Becky’s recipes as my primary source. Even then, major screw ups are happening (I made the simple queso dip and it was absolutely disgusting) but not allowing myself to give up anymore. I keep trying. Tonight, the chicken parm turned out pretty to look at, but… The chicken was overcooked and oversalted, and really didn’t like the texture of the rigatoni. This recipe is absolutely the bomb and have every intention of making it again, just going to change a few little things – it won’t make the recipe better, but it will make it better for ME.
The recipe sounds really good. I would love to try it.
I hope you love it!
Ian looking forward trying out your chicken Parmesa pasta skillet
Thank you for so many wonderful recipes to try.
A lovely recipe. I’m sure we’ll love it! I like to use whole grain pasta whenever I can, and I always cook my pasta separately (then add it in) in order to avoid excess starch in the final dish…. so I won’t add the additional water you mentioned. Since we love mushrooms, I’ll add some sliced Baby Bella (Crimini) mushrooms. My favorite (bottled) Italian salad dressing is “Wishbone Light Italian”, so I’ll use that. This sounds like a winner to me, so thanks for the recipe!
Love your ideas!