This Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a comforting, hearty, and incredibly easy meal that combines the best of both worlds: crispy chicken parmesan and saucy pasta. It’s perfect for when you want all the flavors of traditional chicken parm but in a cozy, one-pan dish. Juicy chicken, crispy breadcrumbs, melty cheese, and a rich marinara sauce tossed with pasta—what’s not to love?
Table of Contents
Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Servings: 4
Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Set up a breading station: place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mix of Italian breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan in a third bowl.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Coat each chicken breast with flour, making sure to shake off any extra. Dip it into the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing the crumbs on to make sure they stick.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a spacious, oven-safe skillet, warm up some olive oil on medium heat. Sear the breaded chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. At this point, the chicken doesn’t have to be completely cooked, since it will continue to cook in the oven. After searing, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
As the chicken cooks, fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Prepare the pasta following the instructions on the package until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
In the same skillet (or a large baking dish if you prefer), pour in the marinara sauce. Stir in the cooked pasta, making sure it’s well coated in sauce.
Place the seared chicken breasts gently on top of the pasta. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the chicken and pasta, then top with additional Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
After taking the dish out of the oven, allow it to sit for a few minutes. Top it off with some fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy it while it’s hot.
Tips:
- Chicken Options: You can also use chicken tenders or cutlets to make this dish even quicker.
- Make it Extra Crispy: For added crunch, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking to give the cheese a golden, bubbly finish.
- Short on Time? Use pre-cooked breaded chicken cutlets to save some time, just heat them up before layering them over the pasta.
- Leftovers: Keep any leftover food in a sealed container in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta is perfect for those nights when you’re craving something comforting and cheesy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The crispy chicken, flavorful sauce, and cheesy pasta make for a dish everyone will love. Enjoy.
Best Sauce Alternatives for Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Looking to switch things up from the classic marinara in your Chicken Parmesan Pasta? Here are some tasty alternatives to keep the cheesy, comforting vibes while adding a new twist to the dish.
Alfredo Sauce
- Why: This rich, buttery, and cheesy sauce makes your dish even more indulgent, pairing beautifully with crispy chicken and pasta for a luxurious change.
- How to Make: Melt butter with heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thick and creamy.
Pesto Sauce
- Why: Bright and herbaceous, pesto adds a fresh twist to your chicken parmesan. The blend of basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil gives a vibrant pop of flavor.
- How to Make: Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil until smooth, or opt for store-bought for convenience.
Vodka Sauce
- Why: Creamy and tangy, vodka sauce strikes a perfect balance between tomato and cream, giving your dish a smooth, velvety texture with a little extra zing.
- How to Make: Sauté onions and garlic, add tomato paste and vodka, then simmer. Stir in cream and Parmesan for a rich finish.
Arrabbiata Sauce
- Why: Love a bit of heat? Arrabbiata brings a spicy kick to the table with red pepper flakes mixed into the familiar tomato and garlic flavors.
- How to Make: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil, then add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Rosa Sauce
- Why: This creamy-tomato hybrid gives you the best of both worlds. The mix of marinara and cream creates a luscious, slightly tangy sauce.
- How to Make: Combine marinara and Alfredo sauces, then stir in a splash of cream for extra richness.
Garlic Butter Sauce
- Why: A light and flavorful garlic butter sauce complements the chicken and pasta without being too heavy, adding just the right amount of richness.
- How to Make: Melt butter in a pan, sauté minced garlic, and toss with pasta and chicken. Sprinkle with Parmesan for extra flavor.
Béchamel Sauce
- Why: This classic French white sauce is mild and creamy, allowing the chicken and cheese to be the stars while adding subtle richness to the pasta.
- How to Make: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk. Stir until thickened and season with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg.
Tomato Cream Sauce
- Why: A perfect balance of tangy tomato and rich cream, this sauce is lighter than Alfredo but creamier than marinara.
- How to Make: Simmer marinara sauce, then stir in heavy cream until the sauce turns a soft orange-pink.
Mushroom Cream Sauce
- Why: Earthy and savory, this sauce brings an umami depth that complements the crispy chicken while adding texture and flavor.
- How to Make: Sauté mushrooms with garlic and onions, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer until creamy and thick.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
- Why: Bold and tangy, sun-dried tomato pesto adds a concentrated burst of flavor that transforms the dish into something truly unique.
- How to Make: Blend sun-dried tomatoes with garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and basil into a thick, flavorful paste.
These sauce alternatives bring fresh new flavors to your Chicken Parmesan Pasta, letting you mix and match depending on your mood or what you have in the pantry. Try them out and discover your new favorite way to enjoy this classic dish.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount (per serving) |
| Calories | 650-750 kcal |
| Protein | 45-50 g |
| Carbohydrates | 60-70 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4-6 g |
| Fat | 25-30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10-12 g |
| Cholesterol | 120-150 mg |
| Sodium | 1200-1500 mg |
| Calcium | 350-400 mg |
| Vitamin A | 10-15% of Daily Value (DV) |
| Vitamin C | 10-15% of Daily Value (DV) |
Health Benefits of Chicken Parmesan Pasta:
- High in Protein: Chicken provides a good amount of protein, supporting muscle repair and overall body functions.
- Calcium-Rich: Cheese adds a significant amount of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Boosts Energy: The carbohydrates from the pasta offer a quick energy source, making this a hearty meal.
- Immune System Support: Garlic and marinara sauce contribute to a boost in immunity due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Heart Health: Olive oil used in the dish is a source of healthy fats, which can benefit heart health.
- Vitamin C Boost: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil and the tomatoes in marinara sauce add vitamin C, promoting a healthy immune system and skin.
- Bone Health: Parmesan cheese provides additional calcium and phosphorus, key minerals for bone density.
- Balanced Macronutrients: This dish offers a balanced combination of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a complete meal.
- Rich in Antioxidants: The tomatoes in the marinara sauce are high in antioxidants like lycopene, which help reduce inflammation.
- Digestive Support: The fiber in the pasta and marinara sauce helps support digestive health.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigeration: Keep your leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can store the cooked meal in the freezer for as long as 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool down completely before putting it into a container that’s safe for freezing.
Reheat & Reuse Instructions:
Reheat Ideas:
- Reheat in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Reheat in the Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Reuse Ideas:
- Pasta Bake: Mix leftovers with extra marinara sauce and top with more mozzarella and Parmesan. Cook in the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s nice and bubbly.
- Chicken Parm Sandwich: Slice leftover chicken and serve in a sandwich with extra marinara and cheese for a delicious sandwich version.
- Soup Twist: Dice the chicken and mix with broth, veggies, and leftover pasta for a Chicken Parmesan-inspired soup.
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a satisfying, cheesy dish that’s easy to store and reuse, making it perfect for a quick meal later in the week.
FAQ’s
What type of pasta works best for Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well for Chicken Parmesan Pasta. You want a pasta that holds the sauce and pairs nicely with the crispy chicken. Penne is especially great because the sauce gets into the little tubes for extra flavor.
How do you cook the chicken for Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
For the best results, bread and fry the chicken. Coat the chicken breasts in seasoned breadcrumbs, then fry them in oil until golden and crispy. You can also bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes if you prefer a lighter version.
Can you make Chicken Parmesan Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and pasta separately, then combine them with the sauce when ready to serve. Just reheat the chicken in the oven to keep it crispy before adding it to the pasta.
What sauce should I use for Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
A classic marinara sauce is perfect for Chicken Parmesan Pasta. You can use store-bought or make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. A bit of fresh basil or parsley on top adds extra flavor.
How do you keep the chicken crispy when mixed with pasta?
To keep the chicken crispy, serve it on top of the pasta rather than mixing it in. If you must mix it, add the chicken right before serving to minimize contact with the sauce, which can soften the crispy coating.
Can you freeze Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it, but it’s best to freeze the components separately. Freeze the cooked chicken and pasta in separate containers, then combine them after reheating. The chicken will stay crispier this way, and the pasta won’t get mushy.