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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan throughout the pasta, creating pockets of melty goodness. Arrange the crispy chicken atop this cheesy landscape.
- 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.
- 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