If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful, and amazingly easy dinner, this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, seasoned chicken with al dente rigatoni pasta all cooked in a rich blend of tomato sauce and chicken stock, culminating in a gooey blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Everything simmers together in one pot, making it not only delicious but also a breeze to prepare and clean up. This dish perfectly captures all the delightful flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan without the fuss of breading and frying, making it a weeknight favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, creating a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and aroma. From the perfectly seasoned chicken to the creamy, cheesy finish, these simple staples blend together to bring the whole dish to life.

Olive oil: For a flavorful base that helps brown the chicken and infuse richness.
Chicken breasts: Diced bite-sized for quick cooking and tender bites throughout.
Italian seasoning: Adds herby warmth that instantly evokes classic Italian flavors.
Garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic salt: Layers of savory, aromatic seasoning that enhance the chicken.
Salt & pepper: Essential for perfectly balanced seasoning.
Yellow onion: Finely minced to impart sweetness and complexity as it softens.
Garlic paste: Delivers a robust garlic punch that harmonizes with the herbs and spices.
Rigatoni pasta: The perfect sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce and cheese beautifully.
Ragu Old World Traditional Pasta Sauce: A rich, flavorful base sauce that’s as authentic as it gets.
Chicken stock: Adds depth and moisture to help cook the pasta without losing flavor.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded for melting into creamy pockets within the pasta.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp finish that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that lifts the dish visually and aromatically.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic salt. Stir well to evenly coat the chicken pieces with the seasonings. Cook the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until it is almost cooked through, making sure to stir occasionally so it browns evenly. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the savory flavor in this foundational step.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Next, stir in the finely minced yellow onion and garlic paste right into the pot with the chicken. These aromatics will slowly soften over 5 to 7 minutes, becoming tender and translucent while releasing their sweet and pungent flavors. This slow cooking helps develop a robust base layer of flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Sauce

Pour the Ragu Old World Traditional Pasta Sauce and chicken stock over the chicken and aromatics, then add the dried rigatoni pasta. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure that most of the pasta is submerged in the liquid mixture. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it gently simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the flavorful liquid. This one-pot method lets all the ingredients meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Add Cheese

When the pasta is perfectly tender, stir in half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for a creamy texture that melts into the sauce. Next, evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the pot once more and leave it off the heat for a couple of minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey, delightful layer that pulls everything together in ooey-gooey goodness.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Finally, remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the cheesy pasta, adding a pop of vibrant green color and a touch of freshness. Serve your piping hot Chicken Parmesan Pasta right away for an irresistible meal that’s both comforting and elegant in its simplicity.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley is a classic and simple garnish that brightens the dish visually and adds a subtle herbaceous note. For an extra touch, try grating a little more Parmesan cheese or adding a few red pepper flakes to introduce some gentle heat. These finishing touches help make every bite more exciting.

Side Dishes

This rich and hearty Chicken Parmesan Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to add acidity and contrast. Some garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread is perfect for mopping up any remaining cheesy sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also complement the flavors while adding a nutritious element to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta directly from the pot for a cozy, family-style experience, or plate it individually and drizzle with extra olive oil and fresh basil leaves for an elevated presentation. For a fun twist, consider adding roasted cherry tomatoes on top or mixing in sautéed mushrooms for added texture and earthiness. Presentation can turn this delicious, straightforward meal into an impressive dinner for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making for a flavorful next-day meal that’s easy to reheat and enjoy.

Freezing

Although fresh is best, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Divide into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to press out excess air. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to melt the cheeses evenly. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken stock or water helps loosen the sauce and keeps the pasta tender and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of rigatoni?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works wonderfully because of its tubular shape that holds sauce well, you can substitute with penne, ziti, or even rotini. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly based on the pasta type.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, to make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth in place of chicken stock. You could also add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for substance and flavor.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely. Use gluten-free pasta and check that the pasta sauce and seasoning mixes are gluten-free. The cooking times may vary slightly with different pasta brands.

What is the best cheese to use for this recipe?

Mozzarella and Parmesan work perfectly because mozzarella melts beautifully, creating creaminess, while Parmesan adds a flavorful sharpness. For extra richness, you can blend in some Pecorino Romano or fontina if you like.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can dice the chicken and mince the onions and garlic in advance to save time. However, for best texture and freshness, it’s ideal to cook the dish all the way through just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is a total winner for anyone craving that cozy, saucy, cheesy meal without the fuss of multiple dishes. It’s easy to make, packed with irresistible flavors, and perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself on a weeknight. Give it a try, and I promise this will become a go-to recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful Italian seasonings, and rigatoni pasta simmered in a savory tomato sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a perfect quick dinner that is hearty, cheesy, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Seasonings

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic salt
Salt & pepper to taste

Aromatics

1 medium yellow onion, finely minced
1 tablespoon garlic paste

Pasta and Sauce

16 ounces dried rigatoni pasta
24 ounce jar Ragu Old World Traditional Pasta Sauce
24 ounce chicken stock

Cheese and Garnish

1½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic salt. Stir to combine and cook until the chicken is almost cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Aromatics: Add the finely minced onion and garlic paste to the pot with the chicken. Stir well and let them cook together for 5-7 minutes, until the onions are softened and translucent, building flavor.
Add Pasta and Sauce: Pour in the pasta sauce and chicken stock into the pot, then add the dried rigatoni pasta. Stir everything to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 12-14 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to add creaminess. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the pot again and let the cheese melt thoroughly for a couple of minutes.
Finish and Garnish: Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious one-pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta!

Notes

Use rigatoni or any other sturdy pasta to hold up well in the sauce.
Make sure to stir occasionally when simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the seasonings.
If you want extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the cheese step.
This recipe can be doubled and is ideal for easy meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American