I absolutely love this One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe because it s a total game-changer when you want a comforting, cheesy Italian meal without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. From searing juicy chicken breasts to simmering pasta all in one skillet, it s as satisfying as it is simple. You ll find that this recipe works beautifully on busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the flavors melded together-melty mozzarella, crispy toasted breadcrumbs, and perfectly tender pasta all in one dish. It s one of those meals where every bite feels homemade and a little indulgent, but you don t have to overspend time or energy. If you ve been on the lookout for a failproof One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe that your whole family will go crazy for, this one s exactly what you need.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cleanup: Using just one pan means fewer dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Flavorful Simplicity: The combination of seasonings and cheese packs a punch with minimal ingredients.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy breadcrumbs on tender chicken with saucy pasta underneath is pure comfort.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish, making it a go-to weeknight winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe plays a role in creating a dish that’s rich, comforting, and easy to pull together. From the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs that add crunch to the fresh herbs for a burst of color, I ve included tips to help you pick the best versions for your kitchen.
- Butter: I use real butter here for its rich flavor and ability to toast breadcrumbs beautifully.
- Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These add a crunchy topping-try to find panko style for extra crispiness.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing to get that lovely depth and slight fruitiness.
- Chicken Breasts: Even thickness is key here so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil gives that classic Parmesan flavor without extra effort.
- Garlic Powder: It s a subtle way to boost savory flavors, but feel free to swap for fresh garlic if preferred.
- Salt: Seasoning well upfront helps every ingredient shine.
- Diced Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; yellow onion works best but white onion is fine too.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic here wakes up the sauce and aroma beautifully.
- Uncooked Rotini Pasta: Rotini holds sauce well, but any short pasta like penne or rigatoni works great.
- Pasta Sauce: Choose a marinara or tomato-based sauce that you love; homemade or store-bought both work.
- Water: Helps cook the pasta right in the sauce for perfect consistency.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts wonderfully for that gooey cheese layer.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that s essential in Chicken Parmesan.
- Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley is my go-to garnish for color and freshness at the end.
Variations
I like to mix things up with this One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe depending on what s in my fridge or what mood I m in. Don t be shy about personalizing it because it s so forgiving and can easily be adapted for different tastes or dietary needs.
- Using Different Pasta: I ve swapped rotini for gluten-free penne before, and it worked wonderfully without changing the texture too much.
- Adding Veggies: Sometimes I toss in sliced mushrooms or spinach when sautéing the onions for a veggie boost.
- Diet-Friendly Swap: For a lower-carb version, I used zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of pasta-just cook them separately to avoid sogginess.
- Cheese Alternatives: I ve tried using provolone in place of mozzarella for a slightly different melt and flavor, and it s delicious.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Toast Your Breadcrumbs
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and stir them until they re golden and crunchy-this takes just a couple of minutes. I like to transfer them to a small dish to keep them crisp for sprinkling on top later. Trust me, these add the perfect crunch! Don t skip this step because it adds a lovely texture contrast to the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Wipe out the skillet to remove any leftover crumbs and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Sear the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Keep in mind the chicken won t be fully cooked yet-that s on purpose because it ll finish cooking in the next step with the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce and Cook Pasta
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they re soft and fragrant-around 3 minutes. Then, stir in the uncooked rotini pasta, your pasta sauce, and 1 cup of water. Bring this to a boil, then carefully nestle the seared chicken breasts on top. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for about 15 to 18 minutes until the pasta is tender and the chicken finishes cooking through.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Cooking
Once the pasta is tender, remove the lid and gently stir the sauce to keep it saucy and flavorful. Top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then cover again to let the cheese melt beautifully. Pro tip: if you want that golden bubbly top, pop the skillet under your oven s broiler without the lid for a minute or two. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs you set aside earlier and fresh chopped parsley over each chicken breast for that irresistible crispy topping and a pop of green. Now you re ready to dig in and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Evenly Pound Chicken: I discovered this trick to help the chicken cook evenly without dry edges or undercooked centers.
- Watch Your Broiler: Browning the cheese under the broiler takes seconds, so don t walk away or it can burn quickly.
- Keep Sauce Watery: If your sauce thickens too much while cooking pasta, add a splash of water to keep it nice and saucy.
- Don t Skip Toasting Breadcrumbs: Toasting them separately keeps their crunch even after baking-this makes all the difference.
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and a few extra Parmesan shards for a little salty kick. Sometimes, I even add a drizzle of good olive oil or a few red pepper flakes if I want a subtle heat. These simple garnishes lift the whole plate and make it feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
You can serve this chicken Parmesan with a light green salad or garlic bread if you want to keep things classic. For a veggie side, roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans contrast nicely with the cheesy pasta and chicken. Honestly, it s such a full meal in itself that sides are completely optional!
Creative Ways to Present
When I ve had friends over, I love plating individual portions with a fresh basil leaf on top and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a bit of elegance. Serving the chicken breast right on top of a mound of the saucy rotini pasta makes for a picture-perfect presentation. Using a cast iron skillet as a serving dish right at the table adds rustic charm and keeps the food warm longer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, but the crispy breadcrumb topping will soften-if you want that crunch back, reheat with a quick oven broil for a minute or two.
Freezing
This One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe freezes well if you want to stash a meal for later. I separate the chicken from the pasta sauce and freeze them in portions, so the chicken doesn t get too soggy. When reheating, I thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently in the oven.
Reheating
My favorite way to reheat leftovers is in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out. About 10 minutes before it s heated through, I add some shredded mozzarella on top and broil uncovered for a couple of minutes for that melted cheese magic. Avoid the microwave if you can-it tends to make the pasta gummy and the chicken rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and add extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a little longer to cook through. Keep an eye on them as you simmer to avoid overcooking.
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Is it necessary to sear the chicken before cooking it in the sauce?
Searing is a key step because it locks in flavor and creates a nice golden crust on the chicken. Without searing, the chicken will cook in the sauce but won t develop that rich, caramelized taste that makes Chicken Parmesan so delicious.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You ll just need to swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many grocery stores carry Italian-seasoned gluten-free breadcrumbs now, or you can make your own with toasted gluten-free bread crumbs and Italian seasoning.
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How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Since it s simmered covered in the sauce, it usually finishes cooking during the pasta s cooking time. If in doubt, use a meat thermometer or cut into the thickest part to check for doneness.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep some parts ahead, like toasting the breadcrumbs and seasoning the chicken. However, I recommend cooking it fresh for best texture and flavor. If made ahead, reheat gently following the storage tips to keep the chicken juicy and pasta saucy.
Final Thoughts
One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it delivers big flavor with minimal effort-a rare combo! It s become my trusted weeknight lifeline when I want something comforting but don t want to be stuck washing a mountain of dishes. I m excited for you to try it, and I m pretty sure once you do, this recipe will become a staple in your rotation like it did for me. So grab your skillet, some cheese, and chicken breasts, and let s get cooking!
Print
One Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pan Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a delicious, easy-to-make meal featuring seared chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful pasta sauce with tender rotini, topped with melted mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and crispy toasted breadcrumbs. It’s a perfect all-in-one dish that combines savory Italian flavors with minimal cleanup.
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 toasted and golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and set aside in a small dish for later use.
- Sear Chicken: Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel and place it back on medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season the chicken breasts evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Sear each chicken breast for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and place on a clean plate. Note that the chicken will finish cooking later with the pasta sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics & Prepare Pasta: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until tender, 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 & Pasta: Carefully nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the pasta in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Let it cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Cheese & Melt: Remove the lid and gently stir the pasta mixture, ensuring it remains saucy. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken breasts. Cover the skillet again to let the cheese melt. For an extra golden finish, optionally place the skillet under the oven broiler without the lid for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese browns slightly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs and chopped parsley on top of each chicken breast. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful one-pan meal!
Notes
- You can omit the toasted breadcrumbs if you prefer a lighter topping.
- Feel free to substitute rotini pasta with any small pasta shape like penne or fusilli.
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Using the broiler to brown the cheese is optional but adds a nice texture and flavor.
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
