Delicious One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

This easy and incredibly delicious one-pan chicken parmesan pasta skillet recipe is the ideal solution for busy weeknights. Featuring tender pieces of chicken, a rich homemade tomato sauce, and an abundance of melted, bubbly cheese, it’s guaranteed to become a beloved family favorite. Prepare for rave reviews and effortless cleanup!

About This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

This cheesy skillet dish is a true celebration of Italian comfort food, packed with succulent pieces of chicken and a vibrant, homemade tomato sauce infused with a medley of fresh herbs. The moment this dish was first created, it felt as though time slowed down, allowing for a moment of pure culinary bliss. Each forkful of this rich pasta brings a sense of ease and satisfaction. Perhaps it’s the comforting power of Italian cuisine, or maybe it’s the soul-soothing combination of perfectly cooked carbs and gooey, melted cheese. Regardless of the reason, this dish makes you wonder if there isn’t a little Italian heritage hidden in your family tree!

Skillet dinners have rapidly become a cherished cooking method. The appeal is undeniable: if an entire meal can be prepared and finished in the oven using just one pan, it’s an immediate winner. The inherent beauty of this cooking style lies in its sheer simplicity. One pan not only drastically reduces cleanup time, a benefit any home cook can appreciate, but it also allows all the flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully as the ingredients cook side-by-side. Each component contributes to a rich, cohesive flavor profile that is simply unparalleled when compared to cooking each part separately.

A crucial step to unlocking the full potential of this dish is ensuring the chicken develops a beautiful golden-brown crust before any other ingredients are added. Those caramelized bits that naturally stick to the bottom of the pan are not to be dismissed – they are reservoirs of pure, concentrated flavor. Later, when you introduce the tomatoes and fresh herbs to the skillet, their moisture helps to deglaze the pan, releasing those delicious browned bits and incorporating them seamlessly into the sauce, enriching its depth and complexity.

For the best results, we highly recommend using a cast iron or a high-quality stainless steel skillet. These materials are superior because their surfaces promote excellent browning and can safely transition from stovetop to oven without any issues. While the recipe itself is straightforward, patience is a virtue here. Allow the sauce ample time to simmer and reduce, which is essential for the fresh herbs to fully infuse their aromatic flavors into the tomato base. The final bake in the oven is more than just melting cheese; it allows the pasta to absorb more of that magnificent sauce, creating a truly harmonious and deeply flavored meal.

Note: This is an updated version of the post originally published on March 8, 2016. The recipe and post have been thoroughly revised and enhanced for an even better culinary experience.

Key Ingredients for Your Skillet Pasta

To create this magnificent Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet, you’ll need a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what goes into making this dish truly special:

• Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is ideal for browning. Extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil work wonderfully, adding a subtle richness without overpowering other flavors.
• Chicken: For tender, juicy results, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast or boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut the meat into uniform 1 to 2-inch chunks to ensure even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces throughout the pasta.
• Spices: The chicken is seasoned simply yet effectively with a blend of garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. This combination creates a savory base that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor before it even hits the pan.
• Pasta: Short pasta shapes are best for this skillet dish as they mix well with the sauce and chicken. Penne, rotini, or farfalle are excellent choices, providing the perfect texture to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for depth of flavor. For a convenient shortcut, keep a jar of minced garlic in your fridge. Alternatively, mince whole garlic cloves by hand or use a food processor for fresh aroma.
• Onion: Yellow onion is our preferred choice for its balanced sweetness, but a white onion can also be used, contributing a slightly sharper, more pungent note to the sauce.
• Tomatoes: One 14.5-oz can of diced tomatoes forms the chunky base of our rich sauce, providing natural sweetness and acidity.
• Tomato Puree: For the most authentic and robust flavor, seek out San Marzano tomato puree. Its superior quality and natural sweetness make a noticeable difference. If unavailable, your favorite high-quality marinara sauce can be a fantastic shortcut – just be sure to adjust for sweetness if needed.
• Fresh Herbs: Aromatic fresh thyme, fresh oregano, and fresh basil are essential for building layers of authentic Italian flavor in the tomato sauce. If fresh herbs are not accessible, dried herbs can be used, but remember to use only half the amount specified as their flavor is more concentrated.
• Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar (optional) helps to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded and harmonious sauce. If using a pre-made marinara sauce, you may want to omit the sugar as it often contains added sweeteners.
• Cheese: No Chicken Parmesan is complete without plenty of cheese! A generous combination of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese provides that irresistible gooey texture and salty, savory kick.

Essential Tools for This Recipe

Having the right kitchen tools makes preparing this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet a breeze. Here are the must-haves:

• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: A sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board are essential for efficiently preparing your chicken and vegetables.
• Large Oven-Safe Skillet: This is the star of the show! A large, versatile oven-safe skillet is crucial for this one-pan recipe. We love using a cast iron skillet or a high-quality stainless steel skillet, which can go directly from the stovetop to the oven, simplifying the cooking process.
• Wooden Spoon: A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring, sautéing, and scraping up those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan without damaging the surface.
• Large Pot: For cooking the pasta to a perfect al dente texture.

How to Make a Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

Creating this flavorful one-pan dish is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a truly satisfying meal:

Prepare Chicken and Pasta

1. Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen short pasta (like penne) and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente consistency, according to the package directions. It’s important not to overcook it, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, take your cubed chicken pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Season them generously with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Toss well to ensure every piece of chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
3. Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in your large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken chunks to the hot pan in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for about 7 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until it’s beautifully browned on all sides and cooked through. The browning is key here, as it develops incredible flavor. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Craft the Flavorful Sauce

1. Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C) in preparation for the final bake.
2. Using the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add an additional 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for approximately 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent.
3. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Pour in the tomato puree and diced tomatoes. Stir in the fresh (or dried) thyme, oregano, basil, and the optional granulated sugar (if using, remember to omit if using marinara). Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. During this time, use your wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these are packed with flavor! Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as desired.

Bake to Perfection

1. Once the sauce has simmered, return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to ensure everything is thoroughly coated in the rich tomato sauce.
2. Stir in 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese and all of the parmesan cheese directly into the pasta mixture. This helps create pockets of melted cheese throughout the dish.
3. Evenly top the entire skillet with the remaining mozzarella cheese. This will create a beautiful, bubbly, golden crust.
4. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil and extra parmesan cheese, if desired, for a burst of freshness and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Skillet Pasta

Achieving a truly exceptional One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is simple with these expert tips:

• Opt for a Stainless Steel or Cast Iron Pan: While the recipe calls for an oven-safe skillet, using a stainless steel or cast iron pan will yield the best results. These materials excel at developing a fantastic sear and those coveted browned bits on the chicken, which are crucial for depth of flavor. Non-stick surfaces, while convenient, don’t allow for this level of caramelization.
• Cook Pasta in Chicken Stock: Elevate the flavor profile of your pasta by cooking it in chicken stock instead of just salted water. This simple swap infuses the pasta with an extra layer of savory goodness, making every bite more delicious.
• Don’t Forget to Deglaze: When you add the diced tomatoes and tomato puree to the skillet after cooking the chicken, make sure to vigorously scrape up all those browned bits that have stuck to the bottom of the pan. This process, known as deglazing, releases an incredible amount of concentrated flavor into your sauce, making it even richer and more complex.
• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs can be used, fresh basil, thyme, and oregano will impart a brighter, more vibrant flavor to your sauce. Don’t skip them if you can help it!
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The amount of sugar needed can vary based on the acidity of your tomatoes. Taste your sauce after simmering and add sugar gradually if you find it too tart. If using marinara, taste first, as many store-bought sauces are already sweetened.

Craving more delicious pasta? Try these recipes: Pasta Napolitana | Penne Pomodoro | Lemon Ricotta Pasta | Creamy Sausage Kale Rigatoni Pasta | Gnocchi Carbonara

Choosing the Right Pasta for Chicken Parmesan

When it comes to pairing pasta with Chicken Parmesan in a skillet, short pasta shapes are undoubtedly the best choice. Their robust structure and nooks and crannies are perfect for capturing and holding onto the rich tomato sauce and tender chicken pieces, ensuring every bite is flavorful. While we often reach for penne pasta due to its excellent texture and ability to stand up to hearty sauces, you have several other fantastic options. Consider ziti, rigatoni, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or cavatappi. Each of these shapes offers a unique way to enjoy this dish, from the ridges of rigatoni that trap sauce perfectly to the spirals of cavatappi that add a fun, springy bite. Choose your favorite, and you won’t be disappointed!

Can You Prepare This Dish in Advance?

Yes, this recipe offers some flexibility for make-ahead preparation, primarily by preparing the sauce in advance. This can be a huge time-saver on a busy weeknight. Here’s how to do it:

• Prepare the Sauce: Follow the recipe instructions for making the sauce, starting with sautéing the onion and garlic, then adding the tomatoes, herbs, and simmering. You can completely skip the chicken cooking step at this point.
• Cool and Store: Once the sauce is done simmering and you’ve seasoned it to your liking, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping.
• Finish Later: When you’re ready to enjoy the dish, simply cook the chicken in your oven-safe skillet as instructed in the recipe. Remove the chicken and then add your pre-made sauce to the same skillet, warming it through over medium-low heat. Stir in the freshly cooked pasta and chicken, and then proceed with the recipe by adding the cheese and baking until melted and bubbly. This method ensures you get that fresh-baked, cheesy goodness without all the prep on the day of serving.

A Vegetarian Twist on Chicken Parmesan Pasta?

Absolutely! This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and you can easily make a delicious vegetarian version by simply omitting the chicken. The rich tomato sauce and melted cheese base are flavorful enough to stand on their own, but if you’d like to add more heartiness and depth, consider incorporating some vegetables. Sautéed zucchini, broccoli florets, diced eggplant, or sliced mushrooms are all fantastic choices. To prepare them, simply season your chosen vegetables with the same blend of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion powder that would be used for the chicken. Sauté them in the skillet until tender and slightly browned, then remove them from the pan just as you would with the chicken. Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet at the same point you would add the chicken, and then continue with the recipe as instructed. This creates a flavorful, meat-free meal that’s just as comforting and satisfying.

Seeking fresh dinner ideas? Explore my comprehensive dinner recipes page for more inspiration!

What to Serve with Your One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is truly a complete one-pan meal, meaning you don’t necessarily need to add anything else if you’re looking for ultimate convenience. However, if you wish to enhance your meal, incorporating some fresh vegetables is always a great idea. Simple steamed broccoli or perfectly sautéed green beans make fantastic, nutritious side dishes that complement the rich flavors of the pasta without being overly heavy. For an even easier approach, consider adding a handful of fresh spinach leaves or finely chopped kale directly into the skillet when you stir in the cheese. Simply stir until the greens wilt into the hot pasta for an instant boost of vitamins and color.

To keep with the delicious Italian theme and elevate your dining experience, consider a cocktail pairing. An Aperol Spritz or a refreshing Aperol Soda are both classic, vibrant choices that offer a delightful bittersweet counterpoint to the cheesy pasta. For those who prefer something a bit more sophisticated, an Amaro Sour provides a complex, herbal note that can beautifully round out the meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet to enjoy it again:

• Storing Leftovers: Allow any leftover pasta skillet to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly sealed, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. This ensures its freshness and prevents bacterial growth.
• Reheating: For best results, individual portions can be reheated in microwave-safe bowls. Cover loosely to prevent splattering and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If you prefer a stovetop method, you can gently reheat portions in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or marinara sauce if the pasta seems dry, until warmed through. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking and ensures an even temperature.

More Italian Dinner Inspiration

If you loved this One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet, you’ll surely enjoy these other Italian-inspired dinner recipes perfect for any night of the week:

• Spicy Italian stuffed peppers are a hearty and flavorful dish, filled with a delicious mixture of ground beef, rich marinara sauce, fresh herbs, melted cheese, and tender vegetables. They’re a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
• This grilled tomato Italian grinder sandwich is a gourmet take on a classic. It features layers of thinly sliced deli meats, creamy mozzarella, and perfectly grilled tomatoes, all nestled in a crusty roll.
• Tuscan white bean soup is a creamy, fresh, and incredibly comforting soup packed with wholesome vegetables. It’s an ideal recipe for preparing ahead of time for busy weeknights or for freezing to enjoy later.
• Creamy lemon chicken pasta offers a simple yet elegant citrus-forward meal. Its bright flavors and creamy texture make it a delightful dish that the whole family will adore.

Finally, if you take the time to make this scrumptious Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment! Your feedback means the world to me. I genuinely love hearing about your experiences in the kitchen and make it a point to respond to every single comment and question.

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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet Recipe

All the comforting flavors of the classic chicken parmesan dish, reimagined into an extra cheesy, hearty pasta skillet with a rich homemade tomato sauce – perfect for an effortless weeknight meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 55 minutes mins

Total Time: 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6

5 from 1 vote

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Equipment Needed

• Utility Cutting Board
• Shun Chef’s Knife
• Cast Iron Skillet
• Wooden Spoon

Full Ingredient List

Chicken

• 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts cut into 1 to 2-inch chunks
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

Pasta Skillet

• 14 oz penne pasta cooked al dente
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 3 cups 24 oz tomato puree (or marinara sauce*)
• 1 Tbsp fresh thyme chopped
• 1 Tbsp fresh oregano chopped
• 2 Tbsp fresh basil chopped + more for garnish
• 1 tsp granulated sugar optional**
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, combine cubed chicken, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Stir until the chicken is coated all over.
• In a large, oven-safe skillet (preferably stainless steel), heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken and cook for about 7 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
• In the same skillet, add 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook until it browns and becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Add tomato puree, diced tomatoes, thyme, oregano, basil, and sugar (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper, as desired.
• Add drained pasta and chicken to the sauce, stirring to combine. Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and all of the parmesan cheese. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
• Place the skillet in the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
• Garnish with more chopped basil and parmesan cheese, if desired.

Recipe Video Guide

Chef’s Notes

*Want to use a shortcut? For a quicker preparation, you can use pre-made marinara sauce instead of diced tomatoes and tomato puree. You will need approximately 40 ounces of marinara. Simply warm it in the skillet after cooking the chicken, ensuring you scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor. Stir in the fresh herbs for an aromatic boost, then add your cooked chicken and pasta, and continue with the recipe as instructed.

**Only use the granulated sugar if you are using tomato puree. If you opt for a pre-made marinara sauce, it often contains added sweeteners, so you should skip the additional sugar to avoid an overly sweet sauce.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 520kcal |
Carbohydrates: 70g |
Protein: 29g |
Fat: 15g |
Saturated Fat: 6g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g |
Trans Fat: 0.01g |
Cholesterol: 53mg |
Sodium: 706mg |
Potassium: 1096mg |
Fiber: 6g |
Sugar: 12g |
Vitamin A: 1132IU |
Vitamin C: 25mg |
Calcium: 305mg |
Iron: 5mg

Calories: 520kcal

Category: Main Dish