Easy One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
Tired of multiple pots and pans but craving a hearty, homemade meal? This one-skillet Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the answer! It takes all the beloved flavors of classic chicken parm – tender chicken, rich marinara, and gooey melted cheese – and transforms them into an incredibly easy, quick, and satisfying pasta dish. Complete with a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s a weeknight dinner dream come true, ready in about 25 minutes.
Some evenings call for a meal that offers ultimate comfort without demanding hours in the kitchen. This Chicken Parmesan Pasta delivers exactly that. Forget the fuss of breading and frying chicken cutlets, or boiling pasta in a separate pot. This ingenious recipe brings everything together in a single skillet, streamlining both the cooking process and cleanup. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something truly delicious and homemade but are short on time and energy.
Using ground chicken makes this dish incredibly simple and quick to prepare, soaking up the savory marinara sauce as it simmers with the pasta. The best part? It’s all topped off with a generous layer of bubbly mozzarella and Parmesan, crowned with a golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb crust, created right in the same pan under the broiler. This dish perfectly captures that satisfying essence of classic chicken parm but with significantly less effort, making it a staple in any busy household. We often serve it alongside our favorite Olive Garden Breadsticks to complete the Italian-inspired feast, but it’s undeniably fulfilling on its own.
Why You’ll Love This One-Skillet Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- **Effortless & Quick:** Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
- **One-Pan Wonder:** Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in a single skillet.
- **Hearty & Comforting:** Combines tender chicken, pasta, and rich cheesy goodness for a truly satisfying meal.
- **Family-Friendly:** A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will adore.
- **Crispy Topping:** The broiled panko breadcrumbs add an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a delightful meal. We’ve listed everything you’ll need below, but remember to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements!
- Olive Oil: A foundational ingredient for sautéing, adding a subtle richness.
- Ground Chicken: The star protein, chosen for its quick cooking time and ease of preparation. Lean and flavorful.
- Onion: Diced finely, it provides aromatic depth and a touch of sweetness to the sauce base.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that classic Italian flavor profile. Don’t skimp!
- Pasta: Any short-cut shaped pasta works wonderfully here. Think penne, rotini, or shells, as they expertly capture the sauce.
- Marinara Sauce: Your favorite store-bought jarred marinara sauce is perfect for convenience, but feel free to use homemade if you have it on hand.
- Water: Essential for cooking the pasta directly in the sauce, creating a creamy consistency as the starches release.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides that signature melty, stretchy, and gooey texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella and marinara.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs are key to achieving a truly crispy, golden topping.
How To Make This Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet
Creating this delicious one-pan chicken parmesan pasta is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a satisfying meal every time:
- Brown the Chicken & Onion: Start by heating olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the chicken with a spoon, until the chicken is mostly cooked through and the onion has softened and become translucent, usually about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the flavorful base of your dish.
- Add Garlic & Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about one minute more. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter; you just want to cook it until fragrant.
- Combine Pasta, Sauce & Water: Pour in the uncooked short-cut pasta, your chosen marinara sauce, and the water. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is submerged and coated evenly with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your pasta type. Cook until the pasta is al dente (tender but still firm to the bite) and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a rich and thick sauce.
- Stir in Cheeses: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until both cheeses are completely melted and beautifully incorporated into the pasta and sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy base.
- Add Topping & Broil: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta, followed by the panko breadcrumbs. Place the skillet under a preheated broiler for 1-3 minutes. Keep a very close eye on it – the topping can go from golden to burnt quickly! Broil until the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the panko breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
Recipe Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Choose the Right Skillet: An oven-safe skillet is non-negotiable for this recipe, allowing you to seamlessly transition from stovetop simmering to broiling for that perfect crispy topping. A cast iron skillet or an oven-safe stainless steel pan works beautifully. This saves you from transferring the pasta to another dish, cutting down on cleanup time significantly.
- Broiler Vigilance is Key: The broiler works fast! It usually only takes 1-3 minutes for the cheese to bubble and the panko to turn golden brown. Do not walk away, as it can burn quickly. If you prefer a softer texture or don’t have a broiler, you can simply cover the skillet after adding the cheese and let it melt on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes.
- Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While short-cut pasta is recommended, feel free to use your favorite! Penne, rotini, farfalle (bowties), or medium shells are all excellent choices as they hold onto the sauce well. Just ensure it’s a shape that cooks evenly in liquid.
- Boost with Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition and color? Stir in sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or shredded zucchini along with the marinara sauce, or right before adding the cheese. This is a great way to make the dish even more wholesome.
- Protein Swaps: Ground turkey is an excellent alternative to ground chicken for a similar lean protein option. For a plant-based version, you could use a meatless ground substitute, adjusting cooking times as necessary. The method for the rest of the dish remains largely the same.
- Adjust Liquid as Needed: Different brands of pasta absorb liquid differently. If your pasta seems too dry during simmering, add a splash more water or chicken broth. If it’s too wet, remove the lid for the last few minutes of cooking to allow more liquid to evaporate.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste your marinara sauce and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian herbs) before adding the pasta. A well-seasoned sauce makes all the difference.
- Scaling Up: This recipe is easily scalable! For a larger crowd or meal prep, simply double the ingredients. You might need a larger skillet or a deep baking dish to accommodate the increased volume. If using a baking dish, assemble on the stovetop and then transfer to the dish for broiling.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Parmesan Pasta
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a robust and satisfying dish that can certainly stand alone as a complete meal. However, if you’re looking to round out your Italian-inspired dinner, here are some perfect accompaniments:
- Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Cheesy Quick Bread: Extra cheesy bread is always a welcome addition, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Sautéed Asparagus: A vibrant green vegetable, simply sautéed with garlic, adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with classic garlic bread, especially if you have Homemade Croutons for that salad!
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon, offer a healthy and simple side.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This chicken parmesan pasta makes for fantastic leftovers! Allow any remaining pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual portions until heated through. For larger quantities, or if you want to revive some of that crispy topping, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until hot. You might want to add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry.
More Great Easy Dinner Recipes
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this one-skillet meal, you’re in luck! We have plenty of other quick and easy dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights:
- Potato Pizza: A unique and surprisingly delicious twist on pizza night.
- Instant Pot Meatballs: Tender, flavorful meatballs made effortlessly in your Instant Pot.
- Southwest Baked Chicken: A zesty and healthy baked chicken dish with vibrant flavors.
- Crispy Chicken Tenders: Homemade chicken tenders that are far better than takeout.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp: A light, quick-cooking, and incredibly flavorful seafood option.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 pound Ground Chicken
- 1 small Onion, Diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 pound Short Cut Pasta
- 24 ounce jar Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups Water
- 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
Instructions
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Preheat broiler.
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In a large oven safe skillet heat oil over medium high heat.1 tablespoon Olive Oil
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Add ground chicken, and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking apart until the onions are soft and chicken is mostly cooked.1 pound Ground Chicken, 1 small Onion
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Add garlic, and cook for 1 minute.3 cloves Garlic
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Stir in pasta, marinara sauce, and water. Stir and bring to boil.1 pound Short Cut Pasta, 24 ounce jar Marinara Sauce, 2 cups Water
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Cover and reduce heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is cooked.
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Stir in 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted.1 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
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Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese and bread crumbs over the top. Place under broiler for 2 minutes until golden brown.1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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