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Close-up of seared chicken cutlets and penne pasta in a dense red sauce inside a ceramic skillet. (One-Pot Chicken Parmesan)

One-Pot Chicken Parmesan: The Ultimate Cheesy Weeknight Pasta Skillet

A rich, comforting One-Pot Chicken Parmesan featuring perfectly seared chicken cutlets, tender penne, and a dense, herb-flecked marinara sauce. Topped with bubbling, charred mozzarella and fresh parsley for a gourmet meal made in just one skillet.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb (450g) Chicken Breasts Sliced into thin cutlets
  • 12 oz (340g) Penne Rigate Dried pasta
  • 24 oz (680ml) Marinara Sauce Thick and herb-flecked
  • 2 cups (480ml) Chicken Broth Low-sodium
  • 8 oz (225g) Mozzarella Cheese Low-moisture, shredded or sliced
  • 1/4 cup (25g) Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup (15g) Fresh Parsley Finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp (15g) Butter

Equipment

  • 1 Dark Ceramic Skillet Or any heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet.
  • 1 Meat Mallet For evening out chicken thickness.

Instructions
 

Sear the Chicken
  1. Heat oil and butter in the skillet. Sear seasoned chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Sauté garlic and onions in the same pan. Add marinara and broth. Stir in penne pasta, ensuring it is submerged.
  2. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened into a dense, dark red consistency.
The Cheesy Finish
  1. Nestle chicken back into the pasta. Cover with mozzarella. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbling and charred in spots.
  2. Finish with a generous scattering of fresh parsley and a dusting of grated parmesan.

Notes

Always pat the chicken dry before searing to ensure a golden crust.
Use a dark ceramic or cast-iron skillet for the best heat retention and visual appeal.
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