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!
Absolutely KILLER, so easy and cheap, I loved it
Thanks for stopping by and sharing, Lily!
Great recipe. Easy, most ingredients or a simple substitute is in most pantry/kitchens. My husband is rather conventional in his tastes. He prefers salt and pepper dishes. He loved this and I will definitely make this again.
That’s great to hear, Paula!
Super simple & super yummy!!! Will definitely make again! I’ll be bringing it to work for my dinner the next couple days – can’t wait!! I used fresh mozzarella sliced thin instead of shredded mozzarella.
Ah! Love fresh mozzarella! I am sure that was a great substitution!
Made this for dinner, it was very easy and very good. I read a lot of the reviews and I think having a high quality sauce makes a big difference in the flavor. I made a few modifications, added Italian seasoning and garlic and of course a little more cheese. I also stirred it rather frequently while cooking because I was not using a non-stick pan and it will stick a bit. But it was a hit with my husband and me so adding it to our recipe file! Thanks!!!
Yum! That sounds delicious! I’m so glad you loved it so much!
I’d be such a hero to our kids if I added this to the menu this week so I think I’m going to have to
I hope they enjoy it!!
Very quick, easy and a hit with the family!! 😄😍👏🏼
Thank you, Nosheen! I’m glad the whole family approved!
Delicious and super easy!!
I made this last night for dinner. It was so easy and so delicous I couldn’t have been happier. My husband loved it as well.
Hubby approved is always the best!! I’m so glad you all loved it so much!
Great recipe! My girlfriend and I loved it, it was very easy and not too long to prepare. The most annoying part was only to cut the chicken, otherwise I didn’t have any other issue!
I’m so glad you loved it so much!!
This is one of my family’s favorite go to meals. Which is a win for me because of how simple & fast it is!
I’m so happy to hear that!!