Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible comfort of this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe! Perfect for cozy weeknights or casual dinner parties, it combines golden, juicy chicken pieces, hearty pasta, tangy marinara, and two dreamy cheeses—all finished off with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs and fresh basil. This one-pan wonder is everything you crave about classic chicken Parmesan, reinvented into an easy, cheesy, totally craveworthy pasta bake that your family and friends will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is crafted from simple, familiar ingredients, but each one is important for big flavor and great texture in every bite. Here’s how each element brings the magic together:
- Penne Pasta: The ridges catch all the rich sauce and cheese for maximum flavor in every forkful.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bites for even cooking and the perfect chicken-pasta ratio.
- Salt: Essential for boosting every other flavor in the dish.
- Black Pepper: Lends a subtle heat that balances the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds a fragrant blend of herbs that instantly elevates the sauce.
- Olive Oil: For browning chicken until it’s golden with restaurant-quality crispiness.
- Marinara Sauce: Rich, tomatoey base that brings everything together—homemade or store-bought both work beautifully.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gorgeous, stretchy pockets for ultimate cheesiness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Intensifies the savoriness and adds that signature Parmesan tang.
- Fresh Basil (optional): Sprinkling on top gives a burst of freshness and color—highly recommended!
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Toasted in butter for a classic, crunchy finish reminiscent of the original dish.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the breadcrumbs to golden perfection.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: For greasing your casserole dish if you choose the baked option; ensures nothing sticks.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your penne pasta according to package instructions until perfectly al dente. Drain well and set aside—you want it ready and waiting to soak up all that saucy, cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, generously season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Sauté, turning occasionally, until the pieces are golden and cooked through—this takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken and keep it close by for the next step.
Step 3: Toast the Breadcrumbs
Don’t skip this part! In the same skillet (no extra pans to wash!), melt the butter. Toss in the seasoned breadcrumbs and stir over medium heat until they’re crisp and deeply golden. This quick step brings a classic Chicken Parmesan crunch to your pasta and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, then pour in the marinara sauce. Give everything a gentle stir so each piece of chicken is coated in that silky, herby tomato sauce. Let it simmer briefly so the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Cheese
Tip in your cooked penne pasta, tossing everything together until the sauce coats every noodle and chicken morsel. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top, cover, and turn the heat to low. Let it sit for 3 to 4 minutes—enough for the cheese to melt into gloriously oozy layers.
Step 6: Add Garnishes and Serve
For the perfect finish, shower your pasta with the toasted breadcrumbs and a handful of chopped fresh basil (if using). Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with delighted smiles!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Scatter fresh basil and another sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top right before serving. If you want to go extra-fancy, a drizzle of top-quality olive oil or a twist of cracked black pepper adds a final flourish. The fresh herbs and bright green color truly pop against that bubbling cheese!
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette is a perfect way to balance out the richness of the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe. Warm garlic bread or a basket of crusty Italian rolls are the ultimate vehicles for mopping up that extra marinara and melted cheese. Want to go full Italian feast? Serve with roasted asparagus or broccoli for a wholesome, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
This pasta shines right out of the skillet, but you can also spoon it into individual ramekins for a dinner-party-worthy touch. Feeling festive? Bake it in a casserole and let everyone scoop their own hearty portion. Or go casual: serve family-style at the table and invite everyone to garnish their own bowl with basil, breadcrumbs, and extra cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to meld, making tomorrow’s lunch even tastier! It will keep for 3 to 4 days without losing texture or flavor.
Freezing
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Let the cooled pasta come to room temperature, then transfer to a freezer-safe dish or bag. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to add a little extra marinara if you reheat from frozen to keep it saucy.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or extra sauce to your pasta before warming gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you’re reheating a whole casserole, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until hot throughout—about 20 minutes. Finish with fresh basil and breadcrumbs for that just-made taste!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne holds the sauce well, any short pasta—like rigatoni, fusilli, or even ziti—works wonderfully in this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe. Choose your family’s favorite shape!
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten free?
Yes, you can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The dish will still have all its irresistible flavors and textures, and no one will guess it’s gluten free.
Can I cook the chicken ahead of time?
Definitely. Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, making it easy to assemble the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe whenever you’re ready. Just toss it with the sauce and pasta when you’re assembling the dish.
What’s the best way to make this recipe ahead for a party?
Prepare the pasta, chicken, and sauce, and assemble everything in a casserole dish up to a day in advance. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs right before baking. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for gatherings!
How do I avoid dry pasta when reheating?
The secret is adding a splash of water or extra marinara sauce before reheating. Cover tightly, whether in the microwave or oven, so the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe stays saucy and luscious.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe brings all the classic Italian-American comfort you love, with a fun, weeknight-friendly twist. Whether you’re feeding your family or sharing with dear friends, give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new go-to!
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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful Chicken Parmesan Pasta dish that brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, all in one satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce and Topping:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in olive oil until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet, toast breadcrumbs, then add chicken back with marinara sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta.
- Finish and Serve: Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and cook until cheese melts. Garnish with basil and toasted breadcrumbs.
Notes
- For a baked version, transfer the pasta to a dish, top with cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Consider using whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
