There is something truly comforting and delightful about a warm, cheesy pasta dish that combines the familiar flavors of chicken parmesan with the ease of a one-pot meal. This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe brings together tender pieces of chicken, savory tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese all tossed with rigatoni pasta, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a go-to recipe that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a starring role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the perfectly seasoned chicken to the rich tomato sauce and the creamy cheese blend, every item helps create a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
- Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds richness and helps sauté the chicken evenly.
- Chicken breasts, diced: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and ensure every forkful has tender chicken.
- Italian seasoning: This blend brings classic Mediterranean herbs that elevate the dish’s flavor.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These powders provide a savory base, enhancing the aroma and taste.
- Garlic salt: Adds a touch of garlicky saltiness to season the chicken perfectly.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for balancing and seasoning all components.
- Yellow onion, finely minced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed until translucent.
- Garlic paste: Freshens up the dish with bold garlic flavor.
- Rigatoni pasta: The ridged tubes hold sauce beautifully for every bite.
- Ragu Old World Traditional Pasta Sauce: A rich, authentic tomato sauce that forms the heart of the dish.
- Chicken stock: Adds moisture and depth, allowing the pasta to cook right in the pot.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts perfectly into creamy pockets that keep the dish comforting.
- Parmesan cheese, shredded: Adds a nutty, salty finish that’s classic in chicken parmesan dishes.
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped: Brightens the dish with a fresh, vibrant garnish.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced chicken along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic salt. Stir everything together to evenly coat the chicken. Cook until the chicken is almost done—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors at this stage!
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Next, add the finely minced yellow onion and garlic paste directly to the pot. Stir everything well and let the mixture cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are nicely softened and translucent. This step is crucial because it deepens the flavor base, making your dish taste like it simmered for hours.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Sauce
Pour in the jar of Ragu Old World Traditional Pasta Sauce and chicken stock. Then, add your dried rigatoni pasta right into the pot. Stir thoroughly to make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot, turn the heat down to low, and let it simmer gently for about 12 to 14 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the pasta cooks to al dente perfection and most of the liquid has absorbed into the pasta.
Step 4: Add Cheese
When the pasta is perfectly cooked, stir in half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese right into the hot pasta. This melts in to create a creamy texture that brings richness to every bite. Then, evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese across the top. Cover the pot again and allow the cheese to melt thoroughly—about 2 minutes. This step gives your dish that irresistible melty cheese topping.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to provide a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes. Serve immediately and prepare for some serious compliments—this one-pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is ready to wow your friends and family!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice because it lightens the rich dish and adds a lovely green touch. You can also add a little crushed red pepper for those who love a hint of heat or a drizzle of good olive oil for extra shine and flavor. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan at the table invites everyone to customize their garnish.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta stands perfectly on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, bright salad or some roasted vegetables balances the meal beautifully. Think arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a medley of roasted zucchini and bell peppers. Garlic bread is another favorite side that complements this dish’s Italian roots and makes every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta straight from the pot for a cozy family-style meal or portion it out on warm plates and top with extra cheese and parsley for a restaurant feel. For a fun twist, bake the assembled pasta briefly under the broiler to brown and crisp the cheese topping before serving. This adds texture and an irresistible golden finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner. Make sure to cool the pasta before sealing and refrigerating.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal because the pasta may become a bit softer when thawed. If you want to freeze it, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over medium-low heat on the stove with a splash of water or stock to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through and the cheese is creamy again. This helps retain the dish’s delicious texture and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is perfect because it holds sauce well, feel free to swap in penne, ziti, or even fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free rigatoni or your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure to double-check that the pasta sauce you’re using is also gluten-free.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You could also add plant-based protein alternatives to keep it filling while maintaining the classic flavors.
What’s the best way to melt the cheese evenly?
Covering the pot after sprinkling the cheese allows the residual heat to melt it gently and evenly. Avoid high heat, which can burn the cheese rather than melting it smoothly.
How can I add more spice or flavor to this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
Adding crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or as a garnish is an easy way to bring heat. You can also sprinkle some smoked paprika or add a splash of balsamic vinegar to deepen the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients combined thoughtfully can create an unforgettable meal that satisfies both the soul and the taste buds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving something cozy and cheesy, this dish will quickly become a cherished recipe in your collection. Give it a try and get ready to make some delicious memories!
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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This one-pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines tender, seasoned chicken with rigatoni pasta simmered in a rich tomato sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Protein and Seasonings
- 3 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Salt & pepper to taste
Aromatics and Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
Pasta and Sauce
- 16 ounces dried rigatoni pasta
- 24 ounce jar Ragu Old World Traditional Pasta Sauce
- 24 ounce chicken stock
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil then add diced chicken along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic salt. Stir to combine, cooking the chicken until nearly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Aromatics: Add the finely minced onion and garlic paste to the pot with the chicken. Stir well and let cook for 5-7 minutes until the onions are soft, translucent, and flavorful.
- Add Pasta and Sauce: Pour the pasta sauce and chicken stock into the pot. Add the dried rigatoni pasta and stir everything to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 12-14 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella to create a creamy texture. Then evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the pot again for a few minutes to melt the cheese thoroughly.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pot from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately for a comforting and cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta experience.
Notes
- Use chicken stock to add depth of flavor; vegetable stock can be substituted for a lighter taste.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper after cooking chicken.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can substitute with fresh basil or oregano if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
