Name: One Pan Chicken Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Chicken:; 1 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp Italian seasoned breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 medium chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; Pasta:; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ cup diced onion; 1 tsp minced garlic; 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta; 24 oz pasta sauce; 1 cup water; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp chopped parsley

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One Pan Chicken Parmesan is a perfect combination of crispy, seasoned chicken breasts and tender rotini pasta, all cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup. With a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, this dish is comfort food at its finest. It’s a time-saving, flavorful recipe that will become a family favorite in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pan Chicken Parmesan is not only incredibly flavorful but also super easy to prepare. The chicken gets perfectly seared with a crispy, golden crust, while the pasta cooks in a rich, savory sauce. The gooey mozzarella and sharp parmesan bring everything together, making it a satisfying meal. And best of all, you only need one pan to make it, so cleanup is a breeze. It’s a win-win! One Pan Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tbsp olive oil
4 medium chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt

For the Pasta:

1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup diced onion
1 tsp minced garlic
2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
24 oz pasta sauce
1 cup water
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped parsley

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

Directions

1. Toast Breadcrumbs:

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and toast them until golden, stirring occasionally. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sear Chicken:

Wipe out the skillet. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken won’t be fully cooked at this point, so remove it and set aside.

3. Start the Pasta Base:

In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 3 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
Add the uncooked rotini pasta, pasta sauce, and water. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.

4. Cook Chicken and Pasta Together:

Once the pasta is boiling, nestle the seared chicken on top of the pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

5. Melt the Cheese:

Uncover the skillet and gently stir the pasta. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top of the chicken. Cover again to allow the cheese to melt, or for a golden, crispy top, broil the dish for 1–2 minutes.

6. Finish & Serve:

Once the cheese has melted, sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs and chopped parsley over the top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 494 kcal per serving

Variations

Chicken Alternatives: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Pasta Options: If you don’t have rotini, you can substitute any other pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pasta sauce for some extra heat.
Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with eggplant slices or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian take on this dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, you may need to add a little water or sauce to keep the pasta moist.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and pasta separately and assemble it later. Just store them in the fridge and heat them before serving.

Can I use different cheese?

Yes! Feel free to substitute the mozzarella and parmesan for other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! You can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make the dish healthier or accommodate dietary preferences. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you use.

How can I make the chicken crispier?

To get the chicken even crispier, you can bread the chicken breasts before searing them. Simply dip the chicken in egg and breadcrumbs before cooking.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger skillet or divide the ingredients between two skillets so everything cooks evenly.

What’s the best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake in the oven to melt the cheese.

What other seasonings can I use?

Feel free to experiment with other Italian seasonings, such as basil, thyme, or oregano, to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Can I use jarred pasta sauce?

Yes, jarred pasta sauce works perfectly in this recipe. Just choose your favorite brand or make your own if you prefer.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! You can add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrients. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic.

Conclusion

One Pan Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and easy dinner that combines all the flavors of the classic dish in one skillet. With perfectly seared chicken, tender pasta, and melted cheese, it’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re short on time or looking for a comforting dinner, this dish is sure to become a regular in your rotation!