The Best Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Hearty chicken parmesan pasta brings comfort to your dinner table with a delightful twist on classic Italian flavors.

Crispy breaded chicken nestles perfectly among al dente noodles, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Layers of melted mozzarella blanket each bite with rich, golden goodness.

Marinara sauce adds a zesty punch that makes every forkful irresistible.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing dish with just a few simple ingredients.

Professional chefs and kitchen novices alike will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together.

Dive in and savor every delectable moment of this soul-warming culinary experience.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe Features

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This chicken parmesan pasta transforms a classic dish into a one-pot wonder that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with multiple pots and pans.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients like using rotisserie chicken, different pasta shapes, or adding extra veggies to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the core flavors intact.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, saucy goodness that combines familiar Italian-inspired flavors in one satisfying dish.

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Pasta: A classic pasta that serves as the base for this hearty dish.
• Chicken: Cooked protein that adds a satisfying and filling element to the recipe.
• Marinara Sauce: A flavorful tomato-based sauce that provides a rich and tangy base.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a creamy and savory topping with a golden finish.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic and flavor-enhancing ingredients that add depth and complexity to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Water (or Chicken Broth), Fresh Basil: Cooking liquid and garnish that contribute to the overall texture and presentation of the pasta.

How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Drop in minced garlic and sizzle until its aromatic scent fills your kitchen.

Step 2: Create A Flavorful Liquid Base

Pour marinara sauce and water into the skillet.

Let the mixture bubble and dance, creating a delicious foundation for your pasta.

Step 3: Cook The Pasta

Submerge pasta completely in the liquid.

Stir occasionally while cooking for 10-12 minutes until the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture.

Step 4: Add Protein And Seasoning

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything together until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Melt The Cheese

• Mozzarella
• Parmesan

Cover the skillet and allow cheese to become gloriously melted and gooey.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Scatter fresh basil leaves across the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Tips for Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

• Use slightly less water than the recipe suggests to create a creamier, more concentrated sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta strand.
• Toast Italian seasoning in the pan with garlic before adding sauce to release deeper, more aromatic flavors and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to allow for even melting and prevent rubbery texture.
• Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or plant-based chicken alternatives for diverse dietary needs without compromising the dish's core flavor.
• Chop basil just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and release vibrant, aromatic oils that elevate the entire dish.

Variation Ideas for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Vegetarian Chickpea Parmesan: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed, meat-free version that maintains the classic Italian flavors.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Option: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles to create a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that's light and fresh.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Add Cajun seasoning instead of Italian herbs to transform the dish with a bold, zesty kick that brings Louisiana-style heat.
• Mediterranean Spinach Version: Incorporate fresh spinach and swap marinara for a lighter tomato sauce, enhancing the nutritional profile with green leafy goodness.

Pairings for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Flavor-Packed Meal Companions: Fresh garden salad with crisp romaine and tangy vinaigrette creates perfect balance with rich pasta.
• Restaurant-Style Plating: Serve in wide white bowls, garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and sprinkle additional Parmesan for elegant presentation.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled shrimp or sliced Italian sausage for extra protein and more complex flavor profile.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Select medium-bodied red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the tomato and cheese notes in the dish.

Storage Tips for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken parmesan pasta can last up to 2 months.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and heat until steaming, approximately 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with other shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, chickpeas, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce while cooking to increase the heat level.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it in advance and reheat in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade chicken parmesan pasta delivers a comforting Italian-American classic with crispy chicken and melted cheese. Layers of flavor and texture create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken
• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups water or chicken broth

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, releasing aromatic garlic until golden and fragrant.
2. Pour marinara sauce and liquid into the skillet, creating a simmering base with gentle bubbling.
3. Submerge pasta completely in the liquid, ensuring each strand is covered and cooking for 10-12 minutes while occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
4. Incorporate tender cooked chicken pieces into the pasta mixture, seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and cracked black pepper for robust flavor.
5. Generously distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top of the pasta, allowing them to melt and create a creamy, golden blanket.
6. Allow cheese to become completely melted and slightly bubbly, creating a glossy, appetizing surface.
7. Finish the dish by scattering fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic garnish and serve immediately while hot and steam is rising.

Notes

• Choose a wide, deep skillet to ensure even cooking and prevent pasta from sticking or burning during the simmering process.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more robust and authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged grated options.
• Opt for rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra depth to the dish’s taste profile.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties like chickpea or rice pasta without compromising the recipe’s overall texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 483 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg