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Chicken Parmesan Pasta

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This one-pot chicken parmesan pasta combines seared chicken, marinara sauce, and two cheeses with pasta for a complete comfort food dinner in 50 minutes.

Tags: #chicken #pasta #cheese

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Clare Greco
Updated on Sat, 14 Jun 2025 11:22:18 GMT
Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Chicken Parmesan Pasta | recipesbyclare.com
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Chicken Parmesan Pasta brings seasoned chicken, marinara, rigatoni or penne, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella together in one Dutch oven. It delivers the tomato-and-cheese character of chicken Parmesan without breading or frying the chicken.

The recipe makes 6 servings in 50 minutes, including 10 minutes of preparation and 40 minutes of cooking. Sear the chicken first, finish it gently in sauce to 165°F, then add already-cooked pasta and both cheeses in their specified stages.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Ingredients

Three chicken breasts, onion, garlic, marinara, rigatoni, Parmesan, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and seasonings
Three chicken breasts, onion, garlic, marinara, rigatoni, Parmesan, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and seasonings | Recipes by Clare
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For the chicken, use 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning, and 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided.

The sauce needs 1 large sweet onion, minced, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and one 24 oz jar marinara. Complete the dish with 16 oz cooked rigatoni or penne, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1½ cups shredded mozzarella, and 3 tablespoons minced fresh basil for garnish.

If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like White Chicken Enchiladas.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Four stages showing chicken seared, onion garlic and marinara added, chicken simmered in sauce, and pasta finished with cheese
Four stages showing chicken seared, onion garlic and marinara added, chicken simmered in sauce, and pasta finished with cheese | Recipes by Clare
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  1. Cube three chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Sear in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high for 2 minutes per side; remove.
  3. Add remaining oil and sauté onion for 3–4 minutes.
  4. Cook garlic for 30 seconds, add marinara, and gently simmer.
  5. Return chicken, cover, and cook over medium-low for 15–20 minutes to 165°F.
  6. Stir in cooked pasta, Parmesan, and ¼ cup mozzarella over low heat.
  7. Top with remaining 1¼ cups mozzarella, cover off heat for 3–5 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve.

For food-safety guidance while cooking, use the USDA safe minimum temperature chart.

Season Three Cubed Chicken Breasts

Sear for Two Minutes per Side

Sauté the Sweet Onion

Add Garlic and Marinara

Finish Chicken to 165°F

Prepare the Pasta Separately

Add Parmesan and One-Quarter Cup Mozzarella

Top With the Remaining Mozzarella

Finished chicken Parmesan pasta with marinara, rigatoni, melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil
Finished chicken Parmesan pasta with marinara, rigatoni, melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil | recipesbyclare.com
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Garnish and Serve Six Portions

Protect the Sauce and Chicken Texture

Store and Reheat Carefully

Keep the Fifty-Minute Workflow Moving

Conclusion

Season three cubed chicken breasts and sear in 2 tablespoons oil for 2 minutes per side. Remove. Sauté one minced onion in remaining oil for 3–4 minutes, cook garlic 30 seconds, and add 24 oz marinara. Return chicken, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes to 165°F. Stir in 16 oz cooked pasta, Parmesan, and ¼ cup mozzarella. Top with remaining 1¼ cups mozzarella, cover off heat 3–5 minutes, and garnish with basil.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How many servings does Chicken Parmesan Pasta make?

It makes exactly six servings.

→ What temperature must the chicken reach?

The chicken must reach 165°F internally.

→ Can I use penne instead of rigatoni?

Yes. Use 16 oz cooked rigatoni or penne.

→ How long should the mozzarella melt off heat?

Cover the pan off heat for 3–5 minutes.

4.50 from 287 votes

Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Preparation Time:
10 Minutes
Cook Time:
40 Minutes
Total Cooking Time:
50 Minutes
Number of Servings:
6
Chicken Parmesan Pasta
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Tender seasoned chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese come together in this easy one-pot pasta dish with minimal cleanup required.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Seasoned Chicken

  • Sauce Base

  • Pasta & Cheese

How to Make It

1.

1. Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and season evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 2 minutes on each side until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.

3.

3. Build the Sauce: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add the minced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

4.

4. Add Garlic and Marinara: Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer.

5.

5. Cook Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

6.

6. Add Pasta and First Cheese: Stir the cooked pasta into the saucy chicken mixture, followed by the Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of the mozzarella. Cook on low, stirring occasionally, until cheese melts into the sauce.

7.

7. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1¼ cups mozzarella over the pasta mixture. Cover and remove from heat, letting it sit for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.

8.

8. Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh minced basil for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy this comforting one-pot meal!

Extra Information

  1. You can use homemade marinara sauce for even better flavor
  2. This recipe works best in a 6-8 quart Dutch oven - scale up or down based on your pot size
  3. Can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months - just add pasta when reheating
  4. Make sure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety

Essential Tools

  • Large Dutch oven (6-8 quart) with lid
  • Large bowl for chicken
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Warnings

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten from pasta
  • Contains dairy from Parmesan and mozzarella cheese

Nutrition Details (Per Portion)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 485
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 35 g