There’s something about a bubbling skillet of cheesy pasta that instantly lifts my mood.
Especially when it combines tender chicken, rich marinara, and gooey mozzarella—all in one pan.
That’s exactly why I keep this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet in my dinner rotation.
It’s cozy, quick, and unbelievably satisfying.
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners when you want a little comfort without the chaos of a million dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-skillet wonder – everything cooks in one pan, so clean-up is a breeze
Cheesy comfort – melty mozzarella and parmesan make every bite irresistible
Weeknight-friendly – ready in under 30 minutes
Family-approved – picky eaters devour it without complaints
Versatile – works great with leftover chicken or a different sauce
Customizable – easy to spice up or keep simple
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken breasts – diced small so they cook quickly and stay juicy
Penne pasta – sturdy enough to hold all that savory sauce
Marinara sauce – your favorite jar works, or homemade if you’ve got it
Mozzarella cheese – for the gooey, melty topping
Parmesan cheese – adds that sharp, salty kick
Italian seasoning + garlic powder – for depth of flavor
Olive oil – to sear the chicken perfectly
Salt and pepper – essential for seasoning every layer
Pro Tips Before You Start
Don’t overcook the pasta—it’ll continue cooking in the sauce.
Reserve pasta water to help bind everything together.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Cover the skillet at the end to create that perfect cheesy melt.
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook penne until just al dente.
Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Prep the chicken
Season diced chicken with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Sear the chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Step 4: Add sauce and flavorings
Pour in the marinara sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parmesan cheese, cooked pasta, and reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Let it simmer
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4–5 minutes so the flavors can blend.
Step 6: Top with cheese
Remove from heat, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to melt.
Step 7: Serve warm
Spoon into bowls and enjoy while hot and cheesy!
What to Serve It With
Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
A crisp Caesar or garden salad
Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli
A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Variations / Substitutions
Swap penne for rigatoni, rotini, or even spaghetti
Use rotisserie chicken to save time
Try a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara
Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach
Make it creamy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream at the end
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Freeze: You can freeze it (without the mozzarella topping) for up to 2 months.
Thaw and top with cheese before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead?
Yes! Just stir it in when you add the pasta and sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all, but you can add red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely—just follow the cooking instructions for the specific brand.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to step 5, then refrigerate.
Add cheese and reheat when ready to serve.
What’s the best cheese for melting on top?
Mozzarella is ideal, but provolone or an Italian blend also work well.
Can I use homemade marinara?
Definitely! It’ll only make the flavor better.
Do I have to use penne?
Nope—any short pasta like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle will do great.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet is comfort food at its easiest.
It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor—without needing a stack of dirty dishes or hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re feeding the whole family or just want to meal prep a few nights ahead, this one-skillet pasta never lets me down.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the penne pasta just until al dente.
- Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parmesan, cooked pasta, and reserved water to the skillet.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/chicken-parmesan-pasta-skillet/
Notes
- Use rotini or rigatoni instead of penne for a fun twist.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes when adding the sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.