Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is a one-pan wonder that brings together the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a quick and easy pasta dish. With tender chicken, marinara sauce, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a hearty and comforting meal that comes together with minimal cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breastssalt and pepperolive oilgarliconioncrushed tomatospasta (penne or rotini work well)chicken brothdried Italian seasoningmozzarella cheesefreshly grated Parmesan cheesefresh basil (optional)

directions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté chopped onion until soft, followed by minced garlic.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.

Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 12–15 minutes).

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Cover until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.

Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Stir in spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.

Swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheesy flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the pasta texture, but it can be frozen for up to 1 month.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it when the pasta is nearly done to warm through.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are great for soaking up the sauce.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add more veggies or plant-based protein.

Can I bake this in the oven?

Yes, after assembling, sprinkle cheese on top and broil for a few minutes for a bubbly, golden finish.

What if my pasta isn’t fully cooked?

Add a bit more broth or water and continue to simmer covered until done.

Is fresh basil necessary?

No, but it adds a nice fresh finish. Dried basil or parsley can be used instead.

What cheese melts best?

Mozzarella melts well and provides that classic Chicken Parm stretch; Parmesan adds sharpness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and make sure your broth and sauce are gluten-free.

How can I prevent pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while it cooks and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan.

Does this taste like traditional Chicken Parmesan?

Yes, it captures the same flavor profile in a quicker, pasta-based format.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet brings all the flavor of a beloved Italian classic into a weeknight-friendly, one-pan dish. It’s cheesy, saucy, and satisfying—perfect for feeding the whole family or impressing guests with minimal effort. Add it to your dinner rotation for a meal that’s as comforting as it is convenient.