If you re looking for a delicious meal that’s straightforward and doesn t leave you with piles of dishes, this One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe is a real winner. I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan with the convenience of cooking everything together in one pan-it s a total game changer for busy weeknights or anytime you want comfort food without the fuss.
When I first tried this, I was amazed at how tender and flavorful the chicken came out, soaking up the pasta sauce while the pasta itself cooked perfectly in the same pan. You ll find that this approach saves so much time and cleanup, which makes it a staple I keep coming back to. Plus, that crispy parmesan breadcrumb topping is just the ultimate finishing touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks together, giving you a flavorful meal and minimal cleanup.
- Juicy Chicken: Searing the chicken before simmering locks in moisture and flavor.
- Cheesy Goodness: Melty mozzarella and parmesan create the perfect topping every time.
- Customizable: Easy to swap pasta shapes and tweak seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and ensuring the dish comes together beautifully in one skillet. I like to use simple pantry staples and fresh chicken breasts to keep it accessible.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps toast the breadcrumbs to golden perfection.
- Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These give a delightful crunch on top and a burst of herb flavor.
- Olive Oil: For searing chicken and sautéing the aromatics, it brings depth and a subtle fruity note.
- Chicken Breasts: Pounded even for quick, even cooking and tender results.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that flavors the chicken beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances savoriness with just a hint of garlic.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base when sautéed.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic warms up the veggies with real punch.
- Rotini Pasta: Holds sauce nicely, but feel free to substitute with any small pasta you have.
- Pasta Sauce: The heart of the dish-choose your favorite tomato-based sauce.
- Water: Helps cook the pasta perfectly right in the sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into creamy, stringy deliciousness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds that sharp, nutty flavor everyone loves.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley brightens everything up at the end.
Variations
I love how flexible this One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe is-it’s easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Playing around with it keeps it fresh and fun every time I make it!
- Gluten-Free: Try gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta for a celiac-friendly version-I found it just as tasty.
- Vegetable Boost: Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing onions for extra veggies and texture.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes with the garlic for a bit of heat that wakes up the classic flavors.
- Cheese Swap: Use provolone or fontina instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Breadcrumbs
Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat and tossing in the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. Stir these constantly until they turn a beautiful golden brown-this is where you build that irresistible crunch for topping later. Once toasted, scoop them out onto a small dish and set aside so they don t burn while you cook the rest.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Wipe out the skillet to avoid burnt bits and add olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt-this is the flavor foundation. Then sear each breast for 2 to 3 minutes per side to get a perfect golden crust. Don t worry if the chicken isn t cooked through yet; it will finish cooking simmered in the sauce later.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Add Pasta
Add a spoonful of olive oil to the skillet and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant-about 3 minutes. Then stir in the uncooked rotini pasta, pasta sauce, and water. Give it a good mix to combine all the flavors and bring it up to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer Chicken and Pasta
Carefully nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the pasta mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let everything simmer for about 15 to 18 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of that lovely sauce. This step finishes cooking the chicken perfectly while blending all the flavors.
Step 5: Cheese It Up and Finish
Remove the lid and gently stir the pasta beneath the chicken to keep it saucy and delicious. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over each chicken breast, then cover once more to let the cheeses melt into gooey goodness. For an extra golden topping, I love popping the skillet under the broiler for a couple of minutes-but watch it closely so it doesn t burn!
Step 6: Add Toasted Breadcrumbs and Parsley
Finally, sprinkle those beautiful toasted breadcrumbs and fresh chopped parsley over the top of each chicken breast just before serving. It adds a perfect crunch and color that really brings the dish alive.
Pro Tips for Making One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Even Chicken Thickness: Pounding the breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly without drying out.
- Don t Skip the Sear: Browning chicken first adds deep flavor and helps keep it juicy during the simmer.
- Watch the Broiler: When melting cheese under the broiler, stay close-you want golden brown, not burnt!
- Toasted Breadcrumbs Are Magic: Toast separately to get that satisfyingly crunchy topping rather than soggy breadcrumbs.
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and some extra parmesan cheese. It adds a fresh, bright touch and a little extra salty punch that I think really makes the flavors pop on the plate.
Side Dishes
This recipe is such a full meal, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some steamed asparagus for a bit of extra color and crunch. Garlic bread on the side never hurts either-perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I ve plated this One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe by slicing the chicken and fanning it over the pasta, then drizzling with extra sauce and adding a sprig of fresh basil. It s simple but feels elegant, and guests always comment on the beautiful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, so the next day s meal feels even more satisfying.
Freezing
If I want to prep ahead, I freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to two months. When you re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep the pasta from drying out. You can also cover it loosely with foil and warm in the oven. Microwaving works too, just watch to prevent drying.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and tend to stay even juicier. You might need to adjust simmering time slightly, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
-
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Rotini is ideal because its twists hold onto the sauce wonderfully, but any small or medium pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even shells will work well here. Just keep an eye on cooking times as some shapes may vary.
-
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and cheese substitutes to adapt this dish, and skip the parmesan breadcrumbs or use a crunchy alternative like crushed nuts mixed with herbs.
-
Is it okay if the chicken isn t fully cooked when I add it to the sauce?
Definitely, that’s the idea! You re searing the chicken first to build flavor and then letting it finish cooking gently in the sauce with the pasta to keep it tender and juicy.
-
How can I make the breadcrumbs extra crispy?
Toasting the breadcrumbs separately in butter until golden is the trick I use to get perfect crunchiness without sogginess. Adding herbs or a pinch of garlic powder to the breadcrumbs before toasting amps up the flavor too.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe holds a soft spot in my heart because it turns a classic Italian comfort dish into something so approachable and hassle-free. I hope you give it a try on a busy night when you want something warm, cheesy, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you see how easy it is to get perfect chicken and pasta all in one skillet-you might just make this your go-to weeknight meal, like I did!
Print
One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pan Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a classic Italian favorite. Tender chicken breasts are seared and then simmered atop saucy pasta, all cooked together in one skillet for easy cleanup. The dish is topped with melty mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, finished with crispy toasted breadcrumbs and fresh parsley for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 medium chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
For the Pasta:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
- 24 oz pasta sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Toast breadcrumbs: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and stir continuously until they are golden and toasted. Remove the toasted breadcrumbs to a small dish and set aside for later use.
- Sear the chicken: Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel to clean it. Return to the stovetop and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Place the chicken breasts into the hot oil and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until browned. Remove the chicken to a clean plate. Note that the chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage; it will finish cooking with the pasta.
- Sauté aromatics and begin pasta: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the now empty skillet. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until tender and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Then add the uncooked rotini pasta, pasta sauce, and 1 cup of water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer chicken and pasta: Carefully nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the pasta mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Allow everything to cook together until the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 15 to 18 minutes.
- Add cheese and melt: Remove the lid and gently stir the pasta around; the sauce should still be quite saucy. Top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Cover the skillet again to let the cheese melt fully. For a browned cheese topping, optionally place the skillet under a broiler without the lid for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs and chopped parsley over the top of the chicken breasts. Serve hot and enjoy a hearty one-pan meal!
Notes
- You can omit the toasted breadcrumbs if you prefer a lighter topping or have no preference for crunch.
- Any small-shaped pasta such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle can be substituted for the rotini pasta used here.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 494
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1486mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 131mg
