Zesty Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet Recipe for Family Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hunger and cravings for comfort food.

This cheesy chicken parmesan pasta skillet recipe delivers a mouthwatering blend of crispy chicken and melted cheese in one pan.

Tender chicken breasts coated in golden breadcrumbs create a satisfying crunch against al dente pasta.

Rich marinara sauce adds depth and warmth to every bite, while layers of mozzarella and parmesan cheese create irresistible stringy goodness.

The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy households seeking a hassle-free meal.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to transform an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience with this crowd-pleasing skillet.

How To Store Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet Properly

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Slice chicken ahead of time and store in airtight containers for quick weeknight cooking, keeping portions separated for easy grab-and-go meals.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover pasta skillet in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety when chilled promptly after cooking.
• Freezing Technique: Allow dish to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, where it can remain delicious for 2-3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated portions in microwave with a splash of extra marinara sauce or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness, stirring midway through heating for even temperature distribution.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 564 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything You’ll Need For Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Adds robust, aromatic depth to chicken seasoning.
• Italian Seasoning: Delivers classic Mediterranean herb blend for authentic taste.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies other seasonings.
• Black Pepper: Introduces gentle, warming spiciness to chicken.

• Chicken Pieces: Lean protein that absorbs seasonings beautifully, creating tender and flavorful centerpiece of dish.
• Tip: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for consistent cooking and easy preparation.

• Note: Recipe suggests additional ingredients will likely be added after chicken is browned and set aside, indicating potential sauce or pasta components to follow.

Gear For Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet Prep

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the entire dish.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and moving chicken while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
• Cutting board: Great for preparing and seasoning chicken before cooking.
• Sharp knife: Required for cutting chicken into pieces if needed.

Steps To Cook Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

• Fire Up the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium flame, creating a sizzling cooking surface that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

• Sear the Chicken

Toss chicken pieces into the hot skillet, sprinkling generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through, moving the pieces around occasionally to ensure even browning.

• Temporarily Park the Protein

Scoop out the perfectly seasoned chicken and set it aside on a plate, keeping it warm and ready for its comeback.

• Build the Sauce Foundation

In the same skillet, start creating a rich sauce base that’ll bring all the flavors together, using the delicious chicken drippings already in the pan.

• Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Let everything mingle and heat through, allowing the flavors to blend into a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone racing to the dinner table.

• Serve and Enjoy

Plate up this delectable chicken parmesan pasta skillet, watching as everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation of the delicious meal you’ve just created.

Tips To Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet Better

• Perfect Browning Technique: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken and sauce up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free penne or zucchini noodles for a celiac-friendly version that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Protein Power Boost: Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based protein crumbles as delicious alternatives to chicken for varied meal options.
• Veggie Lover's Twist: Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the cooking process to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful dish.

Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet Hot And Cheesy

• Pasta Plate Perfection: Serve this delightful chicken parmesan pasta directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style dining experience that looks amazing and keeps the meal warm.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra fresh mozzarella and grated parmesan on top just before serving, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and create irresistible golden-brown spots.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley right before bringing to the table, adding a burst of color and bright, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Accompaniment Delight: Pair with a crisp side salad or garlic bread to complement the rich, savory flavors of the chicken parmesan pasta skillet, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering chicken parmesan pasta skillet blends Italian culinary traditions with comfort food charm. Rich cheese, crispy chicken, and al dente pasta create a satisfying meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized)
• 2 cups (480 ml) penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
• 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth or water
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional, for creamier sauce)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Skillet Preparation: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until it radiates culinary promise.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Envelop chicken pieces with a robust medley of salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then sear until a golden-brown crust emerges and interior reaches perfect doneness.
3. Preliminary Staging: Delicately transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, preserving its warmth while leveraging the skillet’s flavorful remnants.
4. Pasta Integration: Introduce pasta directly into the skillet, thoroughly coating each strand with residual chicken-infused oils and seasonings.
5. Sauce Fusion: Cascade marinara sauce over the pasta, gently folding to ensure comprehensive coverage and harmonious blending.
6. Protein Reintroduction: Nestle the previously cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet, allowing them to seamlessly intermingle with the saucy pasta.
7. Cheese Transformation: Generously layer mozzarella and parmesan cheese across the surface, creating a molten, bubbling dairy landscape.
8. Final Melding: Cover the skillet, allowing the cheese to melt into a luxurious, stretchy layer that binds the dish’s complex flavors.
9. Aromatic Finish: Adorn with fresh basil leaves, introducing a vibrant, herbaceous crescendo to the culinary composition.

Notes

• Manage Chicken Cooking: Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking, preventing some parts from being undercooked or overdone.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without burning the chicken or creating tough meat texture.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Allow cheese to melt slowly under cover, creating a smooth, stretchy layer that integrates seamlessly with pasta and chicken.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Easily swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives, use low-fat cheese for lighter version, or replace chicken with plant-based protein for vegetarian adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 770 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg