One-Skillet Ground Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Your Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food Fix

There are some evenings when you crave a meal that feels like a warm hug – hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor – but the thought of a complicated recipe with a mountain of dishes is simply out of the question. This one-skillet Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the answer to those very nights. It masterfully captures all the beloved flavors of classic chicken parm, transforming them into an incredibly easy-to-make, family-friendly pasta dish that comes together in a single pan. Imagine tender ground chicken simmered in rich marinara, perfectly cooked pasta, and a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, all crowned with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s homemade comfort food, reinvented for your busiest weeknights, and it’s ready in approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. Say goodbye to excessive cleanup and hello to a delicious, fuss-free dinner!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its ingenious simplicity. Instead of breading and frying individual chicken cutlets, we use ground chicken, which cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce’s flavors beautifully. Everything, from browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics to simmering the pasta in a flavorful sauce and broiling the cheesy, crunchy topping, is done in one single oven-safe skillet. This means minimal effort, fewer dishes to wash, and maximum enjoyment. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up every ounce of flavor, resulting in a dish that is deeply savory and wonderfully cohesive.

The final touch—a quick trip under the broiler—transforms humble Panko breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of cheese into a golden, irresistible crust. This adds a crucial textural contrast to the creamy pasta below, mimicking the crispy element of traditional chicken parm without any of the fuss. While this dish is incredibly satisfying on its own, we often enjoy it with a side of soft breadsticks to scoop up every last bit of sauce, or a simple green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Why You’ll Love This One-Skillet Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Effortless Preparation: Everything cooks in one skillet, drastically cutting down on prep and cleanup time. This truly is a “one-pan wonder” that streamlines your cooking process.
Speedy Dinner: From start to finish, this dish is on your table in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings when time is of the essence but you still crave a homemade meal.
Incredible Flavor: It delivers all the comforting, cheesy, tomato-rich taste of classic Chicken Parmesan in a convenient pasta format. You get that authentic Italian-American taste without the extensive culinary effort.
Family Favorite: A proven crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will adore, blending familiar ingredients in a comforting and approachable way. It’s a go-to for weeknight family dinners.
Versatile & Adaptable: Easy to customize with different pasta shapes, protein alternatives like ground turkey, or added vegetables to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
Minimal Cleanup: The single-skillet method means fewer pots and pans to wash, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Crafting this delicious one-skillet meal requires a handful of readily available ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather to bring this comforting dish to life:

Olive Oil: A staple for sautéing, olive oil provides a rich base for browning the chicken and softening the onions. Extra virgin olive oil will add more depth of flavor, but any good quality olive oil will work perfectly. It also helps prevent sticking and distributes heat evenly.
Ground Chicken: The star protein of this dish. Using ground chicken significantly speeds up cooking time compared to chicken breasts or cutlets, and it blends seamlessly into the pasta sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors. You can opt for lean ground chicken for a lighter meal or a slightly fattier blend for a richer taste.
Onion: Diced finely, onions add a foundational aromatic sweetness and depth to the sauce base. They caramelize slightly as they cook with the chicken, building a complex flavor profile. Yellow or white onions are both suitable here.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is absolutely crucial for that authentic Italian-inspired flavor. Don’t skimp on it; it truly elevates the entire dish, adding a pungent, savory kick that brightens the sauce.
Pasta: Any short-cut shaped pasta will work wonderfully, as it cooks evenly in the skillet and holds onto the sauce beautifully. Think penne, rotini, farfalle (bowties), medium shells, or even fusilli. These shapes are ideal because they resist clumping and ensure every bite is coated in sauce when cooked using the one-pot method. Avoid long, thin pastas like spaghetti or linguine, as they tend to stick together and may not cook as evenly in a single skillet.
Marinara Sauce: A good quality marinara sauce is key to the overall flavor of this dish. You can certainly use your favorite homemade marinara if you have it on hand, which adds a personal touch. However, a good store-bought jarred sauce is perfectly acceptable and makes this recipe even quicker and more convenient. Look for one with minimal added sugar and robust tomato flavor for the best results.
Water: This is essential for cooking the pasta directly in the skillet. As the pasta simmers, it absorbs the water (and the flavors from the sauce), becoming tender and infused with taste. Chicken broth can also be used for an even richer, more savory undertone.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides that classic gooey, stretchy, melty texture characteristic of Chicken Parmesan. We’ll use some stirred into the pasta for creaminess and some for the glorious, bubbly topping. Freshly shredded mozzarella often melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, but either will work.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami depth and a sharp, nutty flavor that is indispensable in Italian-American cuisine. Use good quality Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano if possible) for the best, most authentic flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are a game-changer! They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, creating a perfectly golden and crunchy topping under the broiler, adding a delightful textural contrast to the soft pasta and rich sauce.

chicken parmesan past skillet on a plate

How to Make This Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Step-by-Step

Making this one-skillet chicken parmesan pasta is remarkably straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these clear, detailed steps for a delicious and hassle-free meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen:

Prepare Your Broiler: Before you even begin cooking, take a moment to preheat your broiler. This ensures it’s at the optimal temperature for creating that perfect golden-brown, crispy topping at the very end of the cooking process.
Brown the Chicken & Onion: In a large, oven-safe skillet (a cast iron skillet or another heavy-bottomed pan without plastic handles is ideal for stovetop-to-oven cooking), heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and diced onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break apart the chicken until it is mostly cooked through and no longer pink, and the onion has softened and turned translucent. This crucial browning step helps to develop deep, savory flavors in the meat.
Add Garlic & Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just one minute more, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. It’s important to watch the garlic closely here, as it can burn very quickly and turn bitter if overcooked.
Combine Pasta, Sauce & Water: Pour the uncooked short-cut pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken and onion mixture. Follow with the entire jar of marinara sauce and the 2 cups of water (or chicken broth, for added flavor). Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. The pasta will cook directly in the flavorful sauce, absorbing the liquids and becoming tender. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking. The liquid should be mostly absorbed by the pasta.
Stir in Cheeses: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese until they are completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the pasta and sauce. This creates a wonderfully creamy, rich, and cheesy base for your dish.
Add Topping & Broil: Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the pasta, followed by the Panko breadcrumbs. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated broiler. Broil for 1-3 minutes, watching it very closely. The goal is for the cheese to become bubbly and golden-brown, and for the breadcrumbs to achieve a lovely crispy, toasted finish. The exact time will vary depending on the strength of your broiler, so vigilance is key to prevent burning.
Serve Immediately: Once the topping is perfectly golden and bubbly, carefully remove the skillet from the broiler. Let it cool for just a minute or two before serving, as the skillet will be extremely hot. Enjoy your piping hot, cheesy, and wonderfully textured one-skillet Chicken Parmesan Pasta!

Recipe Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results

Even though this recipe is designed to be simple and forgiving, a few expert tips can ensure your one-skillet Chicken Parmesan Pasta turns out perfectly, every single time. These small adjustments can make a big difference in flavor, texture, and overall success:

Always Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: This is arguably the most important tip! A good quality cast iron skillet or another oven-safe pan (without any plastic, rubber, or wooden handles that aren’t heat-proof) is absolutely essential. It allows you to seamlessly transition from stovetop cooking to broiling without having to transfer the pasta to another dish, saving you precious time and a lot of extra cleanup. Ensure your skillet is large enough to hold all ingredients comfortably.
Keep a Close Eye on the Broiler: Broilers work very quickly and intensely. The cheese and breadcrumbs can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Stay near the oven and check frequently, usually every 30 seconds. It typically only takes 1 to 3 minutes to achieve that desired bubbly, golden-brown finish on the cheese and a lovely crisp on the Panko. If you don’t have a broiler or simply prefer a softer texture, you can skip this step, though you’ll miss out on that delightful crunch.
Experiment with Different Short Pasta Shapes: While penne is a classic and reliable choice, don’t hesitate to try other short pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, cavatappi, farfalle, or even orecchiette. These shapes all have nooks, ridges, and cups that are excellent for trapping and holding onto the rich marinara sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful and well-coated.
Boost with Veggies for More Color and Nutrients: To add more nutrients, color, and texture, consider stirring in some finely chopped vegetables. Sautéed spinach (add at the very end until just wilted), diced bell peppers (add with the onions to cook down), or zucchini (add during the last few minutes of pasta simmering) are fantastic options that complement the Italian flavors beautifully and make the dish even healthier.
Consider Alternative Proteins: Ground turkey is an excellent and popular substitute for ground chicken if you prefer, and it can be used in exactly the same way with no adjustments needed. For a delicious vegetarian option, you could replace the meat with plant-based ground crumbles or even a can of drained and rinsed lentils, adjusting cooking times as necessary to heat through.
Adjust Water Content for Pasta: Different brands and shapes of pasta can absorb liquid at varying rates. If your pasta seems too dry while simmering and is not yet al dente, add a splash more water or broth (1/4 to 1/2 cup at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency. Conversely, if it looks too soupy after the suggested cooking time, remove the lid for the last few minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken.
Season Generously Throughout: Don’t forget to season the chicken and sauce as you go. A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper at each stage (when browning the chicken, adding the sauce, etc.) helps build layers of flavor. You can also add dried Italian seasoning, basil, or oregano with the garlic for an extra aromatic kick.
Double for a Crowd or Meal Prep: This recipe is easily scalable. If you’re feeding a larger family, hosting guests, or want convenient leftovers for meal prep throughout the week, simply double all the ingredients. Just make sure you use a significantly larger, deeper skillet or, if necessary, transfer the pasta to a large baking dish before the broiling step to ensure everything fits.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta is undeniably a hearty and complete meal on its own, packed with protein, carbs, and plenty of comforting flavor. However, if you’re looking to round out your dinner, add some fresh contrast, or make it feel like an even more special occasion, here are some perfect accompaniments that complement Italian-style recipes beautifully:

Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing side salad is always a welcome addition to a rich pasta dish. A simple tossed salad with mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing provides a lovely contrast to the creamy pasta, balancing the meal beautifully.
Cheesy Quick Bread: Pair your pasta with a warm, savory bread. A cheesy quick bread, classic garlic bread, or even a crusty ciabatta would be fantastic for soaking up any leftover marinara sauce and adding another layer of comforting flavor and texture.
Sautéed Asparagus: For a touch of green and a lighter vegetable option, sautéed asparagus or green beans are quick to prepare and offer a fresh, slightly crisp element that brightens the plate.
Homemade Croutons: Elevate your side salad with crunchy homemade croutons. Alternatively, you could even sprinkle them directly onto the pasta before broiling (alongside the Panko) for an extra layer of toasted texture and flavor.
Roasted Broccoli or Broccolini: Simple roasted broccoli florets or tender broccolini tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper make for an incredibly easy and healthy side dish that pairs wonderfully with the robust Italian flavors of the pasta.
A Glass of Wine: For adults, a glass of medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti, Sangiovese, or a light Merlot, would be a delightful pairing. Its acidity can cut through the richness of the cheese and enhance the flavors of the marinara.

Storage and Reheating Tips

One of the best things about this skillet pasta is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying delicious leftovers throughout the week. To keep your Chicken Parmesan Pasta fresh and appetizing:

Storage: Allow the pasta to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This is important to prevent condensation and maintain quality. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1-2 months. If freezing, be aware that the breadcrumb topping may lose some of its crispness upon reheating, but the flavor of the pasta and sauce will still be excellent. Thaw frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Microwave: For quick and convenient reheating, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly hot throughout. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, so you may want to add a splash (1-2 tablespoons) of water or chicken broth to loosen it up and restore its original consistency.
- Oven: To reheat larger portions or to try and regain some of that delightful crispness on the topping, transfer the pasta to an oven-safe baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking, allowing the cheese to re-bubble and the breadcrumbs to toast.
Remember that pasta tends to absorb more liquid upon standing, so if the dish seems a bit dry when you’re reheating, a little extra marinara sauce or a splash of broth can easily revive it. Always ensure leftovers are reheated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

More Great Easy Dinner Recipes to Try

If you loved the ease, simplicity, and comforting flavors of this One-Skillet Ground Chicken Parmesan Pasta, you’re sure to enjoy these other quick and simple dinner ideas from our kitchen. They are all designed to bring deliciousness to your table with minimal fuss:

Potato Pizza: A unique and surprisingly delicious pizza topped with thinly sliced potatoes, caramelized onions, and savory herbs, offering a delightful twist on classic pizza night.
Instant Pot Meatballs: Tender, juicy, and flavorful meatballs cooked quickly and effortlessly in the Instant Pot, perfect for a busy weeknight meal served with your favorite pasta or in a sub roll.
Southwest Baked Chicken: A zesty and vibrant chicken dish bursting with Southwest flavors like cumin, chili powder, and lime, great for a healthy and satisfying meal that’s full of zing.
Crispy Chicken Tenders: Homemade chicken tenders that are far superior to fast food versions, featuring a perfectly crispy coating and tender chicken inside, ideal for kids and adults alike.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp: A light, bright, and incredibly quick shrimp dish that makes an elegant yet easy dinner, perfect for pairing with pasta or rice for a burst of fresh flavor.

4.56 from 9 votes

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

By Erin Sellin

Chicken Parmesan pasta skillet – all the flavors of classic chicken Parmesan in a quick and easy one pan meal. Dinner tonight is sorted!

Prep: 5 minutes

Cook: 20 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Servings: 5

Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe

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

Preheat broiler.
In a large oven safe skillet heat oil over medium high heat.

1 tablespoon Olive Oil
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
Add garlic, and cook for 1 minute.

3 cloves Garlic
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
Cover and reduce heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is cooked.
Stir in 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted.

1 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
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

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 5

Calories: 507

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

Join Our Community! I’ve created a fantastic group on Facebook, and I’d be absolutely delighted for you to join us! It’s a vibrant space where you can share your favorite recipes, ask cooking questions, and stay up-to-date with all the latest happenings and new recipes from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts. We love hearing from you and seeing your culinary creations!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make! Your culinary adventures inspire me, and I love connecting with my community through food.

Don’t miss out on any delicious updates or new recipes! Be sure to follow me on my social media channels:

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram