Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe: A Family-Pleasing Classic

Comfort meets elegance in this mouthwatering chicken parmesan pasta that brings classic Italian flavors to your dinner table.

Bold marinara sauce coats each strand of perfectly cooked noodles.

Crispy chicken breasts nestle atop the pasta, creating a delightful texture contrast.

Golden breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch that makes every bite memorable.

Melted mozzarella creates a gooey blanket of cheesy goodness across the dish.

Fresh basil leaves scattered on top provide a bright, aromatic finish.

You can easily whip up this restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delicious moment!

What Tastes Great With Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the rich, cheesy chicken parmesan pasta with their bright, zesty flavors that cut through the creamy sauce.
• Match with Robust Red Wine: Chianti or Sangiovese offer bold, tangy notes that enhance the marinara's depth and stand up to the crispy chicken's richness.
• Create Refreshing Side Salad: Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a light, peppery contrast to the hearty pasta, balancing the dish's heavy textures.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery garlic bread becomes the perfect sidekick, helping to soak up extra sauce and adding a crunchy texture to the meal.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta With A Fun Twist

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace marinara with salsa, add diced green chiles, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, use oregano and thyme instead of Italian seasoning, add chopped kalamata olives, and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
• Creamy Alfredo Chicken Pasta: Substitute marinara with homemade Alfredo sauce, use romano cheese alongside Parmesan, add roasted garlic, and garnish with fresh cracked black pepper.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace traditional pasta with roasted cauliflower florets, keep the chicken and cheese preparation the same, and use a lighter marinara for a healthier alternative.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Questions Answered

• What makes the breading process so important for chicken parmesan pasta?

The breading creates a crispy, flavorful exterior that locks in chicken moisture and adds delicious texture. The three-step dredging process (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) ensures the coating sticks perfectly and develops a golden-brown crust.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The flavor and technique remain the same, making it easy to adapt for gluten-sensitive diners.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Golden-brown color and crispy exterior are good visual indicators, but temperature ensures food safety.

• Is it necessary to bake the dish after assembling?

Baking is optional but recommended for extra cheesy, melted goodness. If you’re short on time, you can skip the baking step and enjoy the dish straight from the stovetop. The cheese will still melt nicely from the heat of the pasta and sauce.

Why Everyone Loves Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Savor Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up this delicious chicken parmesan pasta in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Enjoy the crispy breaded chicken, melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce that mimics your favorite Italian restaurant dish, but prepared with love in your own kitchen.
• Customize for Family Fun: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping chicken for another protein, or letting kids help with the breading station, making it a versatile and engaging meal for everyone.
• One-Pan Wonder with Minimal Cleanup: Cook everything in a single pan, reducing dishes and making cleanup a breeze, which means more time enjoying your delicious meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans.

What Goes In Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken Breast: Tender protein that becomes crispy when breaded and fried, best when pounded thin for even cooking.
• Eggs: Crucial binding agent for breading that helps breadcrumbs stick to chicken.

• Pasta: Classic base for the dish, best when cooked al dente for perfect texture.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian sauce that adds rich tomato flavor and moisture.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty and sharp cheeses that provide creamy, tangy layers of flavor, freshly grated recommended.
• All-Purpose Flour: First layer in breading process for creating crispy chicken coating.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides crunchy exterior for chicken, Italian-style breadcrumbs work best.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding subtle heat.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden, crispy chicken and prevents sticking.
• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for fresh, bright finishing touch.

Making Chicken Parmesan Pasta In No Time

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt. Once the water bubbles wildly, drop in your pasta. Swirl it around and cook until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the pasta in a colander, letting the water rush away. Set the pasta aside and get ready for the next delicious step.

Step 2: Create Crispy Chicken Magic

• Flour (plain and simple)
• Beaten eggs (whisked until smooth)
• Seasoned breadcrumb mixture
• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Dunk each chicken piece first in flour, giving it a light dusty coat. Next, swim it through the egg. Finally, roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture until completely covered. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame. Sizzle the chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes, flipping once to create a golden, crunchy exterior. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.

Step 3: Combine Flavors

In the same pan where chicken danced, pour marinara sauce. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, making sure every strand gets coated. Scatter half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until they melt into a creamy embrace. Arrange the crispy chicken pieces on top.

Step 4: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

If you want ultimate gooeyness, transfer everything to an oven-safe dish. Shower the top with remaining cheese. Slide into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden blanket.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Slide the pasta onto plates, making sure everyone gets a crispy chicken piece. Serve alongside garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips That Help With Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Customize Breading for Crunch: Mix panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs for an extra crispy chicken coating that provides more texture and golden-brown perfection.

Prevent Soggy Chicken: Pat chicken dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks properly and creates a crisp exterior that stays crunchy when mixed with pasta sauce.

Make it Gluten-Free: Swap wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – use less for mild flavor or omit completely for a kid-friendly version of the dish.

Quick Meal Prep Hack: Cook extra chicken and freeze individually for future quick meals, cutting down preparation time for busy weeknight dinners.

Best Way To Keep Chicken Parmesan Pasta Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover Chicken Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Separate the chicken from the pasta if possible to help retain its crispy texture.
• Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of marinara sauce to prevent dryness.
• For best results, consume within 2 days and avoid freezing, as the pasta and breaded chicken might lose their original texture and become soggy.
• When reheating, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top to refresh the melty goodness.
• Always ensure the dish reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to guarantee food safety.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the irresistible comfort of chicken parmesan pasta, where crispy breaded chicken meets creamy marinara-coated pasta. Melted cheese and golden chicken create a mouthwatering Italian-inspired dinner that delivers pure culinary bliss with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Coating Ingredients:

• ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¾ cup (90 grams) Italian breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a spacious pot, bringing it to a vigorous boil. Submerge pasta and cook until it reaches the perfect tender-yet-firm texture, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Craft a three-stage breading ritual using separate shallow vessels: first, a light dusting of flour; next, a bath of whisked eggs; finally, a seasoned blend of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, aromatic salt, cracked pepper, and garlic powder. Methodically coat each chicken piece, ensuring complete coverage at each stage.
3. Warm olive oil in a robust skillet over medium flame. Gently lay breaded chicken into the sizzling pan, transforming each piece to a golden, crispy exterior. This process typically requires 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the beautifully bronzed chicken to a waiting plate.
4. Within the same skillet, introduce marinara sauce, awakening it with Italian seasoning and a whisper of red pepper flakes. Fold the cooked pasta into this vibrant sauce, ensuring every strand is lovingly coated.
5. Sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan throughout the pasta, creating pockets of melty goodness. Arrange the crispy chicken atop this cheesy landscape.
6. For ultimate indulgence, transfer the skillet to a preheated 375F oven. Shower the dish with remaining cheese, allowing it to melt into a bubbling, golden blanket. Bake for 10 minutes until irresistibly molten.
7. Finish with a flourish of fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately, accompanied by crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad.

Notes

• Choose pasta shapes with ridges or curves like penne or rigatoni to better hold the sauce and create more texture in each bite.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to ensure crispy, golden-brown coating that adheres perfectly without becoming soggy.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought for a lighter, crunchier chicken exterior that provides superior texture and flavor.
• Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
• Replace chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s rich, comforting profile.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or omitting them completely for a milder flavor profile suitable for all palates.
• Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld together for a more cohesive dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg