Bold Lemon-Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Created on October 29th, 2025 at 07:36 pm

Simple One‑Pot Comfort

This dreamy one‑pot dish brings all the beloved flavors of chicken parmesan into a simple, fuss‑free pasta bake perfect for a cozy evening. With juicy seasoned chicken, rich marinara, gooey mozzarella and sharp parmesan, you’ll get maximum comfort in under 30 minutes. Less cleanup, big flavor—your whole crew will be asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love how effortlessly it delivers classic chicken parmesan satisfaction in a single pot. The chicken bites are hearty and flavorful, the sauce is rich yet simple, and the melted cheese layer gives that irresistible comfort‑food finish. Ideal for family dinners, meal‑prep nights or any time you crave something warm and satisfying. Plus, it’s versatile and forgiving—perfect for busy weeknights when you still want to wow without hours in the kitchen.

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⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Servings: 4

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📝 Ingredients List

• 2‑3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite‑sized pieces
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 medium yellow onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 16 oz (≈450 g) dried short‑cut pasta (rigatoni or similar)
• 24 oz (≈680 g) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
• Water (use the empty marinara jar as measure)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: additional dried Italian seasoning (for garnish)
• Optional: fresh parsley or basil, minced for garnish

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✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress‑free.

• Large pot or heavy skillet with lid (Dutch oven works great)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula

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👩‍🍳 Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in your large pot or skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. 🍗
2. In the same pot, add the minced onion and garlic. Cook ~2‑3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Pour in the marinara sauce, then refill the empty jar with water and pour that in too. Stir gently, bring to a boil, then reduce to a strong simmer.
4. Add the partially‑cooked chicken back into the pot, then add the dried pasta. Stir to combine. Cover with the lid and simmer for 10‑15 minutes (check at 10 mins) until the pasta is cooked to your liking—stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of the mozzarella until melted and well‑mixed. Then sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup mozzarella over the top, cover, and cook another 2‑3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey. 🧀
6. Remove from heat, sprinkle extra Italian seasoning (if desired) and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm.

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💡 Pro Tips

• Use a heavy‐based pot to prevent sauce from scorching on the bottom when simmering.
• If the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is done, add ¼‑½ cup hot water to loosen it.
• Make‑ahead tip: Cook the chicken ahead of time and store in the fridge. Then finish steps 3–6 for a quick dinner.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet adding a splash of water if needed.
• Serving idea: Add a simple side salad or garlic bread for a full comfort‑meal experience.

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🎯 You’re Ready to Serve

Your dish is now loaded with flavor and warmth. The tender chicken bites, rich tomato‑garlic sauce, perfectly cooked pasta and melted cheese layer all come together into a comforting plate of deliciousness. Whether you’re serving family, hosting friends, or prepping a special weeknight dinner—this one‑pot chicken parmesan pasta hits the mark every time. Gather everyone around, grab a fork, and dive into the gooey, satisfying goodness.

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📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	520	30 g	60 g	18 g	4 g	8 g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.