Irresistible Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a delectable chicken parmesan pasta brings pure culinary joy to weeknight dinners.

Crispy breaded chicken meets perfectly al dente noodles in this comfort classic.

Marinara sauce adds vibrant depth while melted cheese creates irresistible golden layers.

Home cooks adore how quickly this dish comes together with minimal fuss.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in transforming simple components into something spectacular.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will absolutely swoon over this straightforward yet magnificent meal.

Let’s dive into a recipe that promises to become your new favorite dinner solution.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Loaded With Flavor

• Savor Quick Family Comfort: Transforms classic chicken parmesan into a hearty one-pan pasta meal perfect for busy households.
• Master Simple Culinary Skills: Beginner-friendly recipe with straightforward steps that teach fundamental cooking techniques like breading chicken and creating a delicious sauce.
• Customize Your Dinner: Flexible dish allows easy ingredient swaps like using different cheeses, adding vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match family preferences.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Delivers restaurant-inspired flavors with minimal effort, making home cooking feel gourmet and satisfying without complex preparation.

Ingredients For Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Pasta: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the base for this delicious chicken parmesan dish.
• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that becomes crispy and flavorful when coated and fried.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: A crunchy and savory mixture that creates a golden exterior for the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that add depth and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Egg: Helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken, creating a crisp coating.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and rich flavor to the pasta.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and providing a smooth cooking surface.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully over the dish, creating a creamy and indulgent topping.
• Basil: A fresh herb that adds a bright, aromatic garnish to the finished dish.

How To Cook Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Boil Perfect Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water following package directions until it reaches al dente texture. Drain completely and set to the side.

Step 2: Slice Chicken Carefully

Transform chicken breasts into thin, uniform cutlets using a sharp knife. Create even slices for consistent cooking.

Step 3: Create Crispy Coating

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings.

Step 4: Prepare Chicken Breading Station

Whisk eggs in a separate bowl.

Dunk each chicken cutlet into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Roll coated chicken in seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to create a solid crust.

Step 5: Fry Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place breaded chicken cutlets into hot oil.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until exterior turns golden brown and crispy. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 6: Create Saucy Pasta Base

Using the same skillet, pour marinara sauce.

Warm sauce gently, then introduce cooked pasta. Toss pasta to coat evenly with rich tomato sauce.

Step 7: Add Melty Cheese Topping

Arrange crispy chicken cutlets atop sauced pasta. Sprinkle generous amounts of shredded mozzarella cheese over chicken and pasta.

Step 8: Melt Cheese to Perfection

Cover skillet with a lid. Reduce heat to low.

Allow cheese to melt completely for 2-3 minutes until it becomes stretchy and bubbly.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Scatter fresh chopped basil leaves over the dish.

Serve immediately while hot and cheese is wonderfully melted.

Tips For Perfect Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Pound chicken cutlets evenly to ensure uniform cooking and crispy coating.
• Experiment with Italian breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch in the breading.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Keep chicken at room temperature before breading to help coating stick better.
• Select a high-quality marinara sauce or make homemade for more authentic taste.

Variations On Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with crispy breaded tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, maintaining the same breading and cooking technique for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free while keeping the original recipe's flavor profile intact.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture, incorporate oregano, and use a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of traditional marinara for a bolder taste experience.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, keeping the chicken and cheese components to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal.

Serving Suggestions For Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather everyone around the table and serve this hearty chicken parmesan pasta as a comforting main course that brings smiles and warmth to the evening.
• Italian Restaurant Experience at Home: Plate the dish on large white plates, add a side of garlic bread, and create a restaurant-style presentation that feels elegant and special.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Hack: Pair the pasta with a crisp green salad and serve in oversized bowls for a complete, satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Potluck Party Favorite: Transfer the skillet to a serving dish, garnish with extra basil, and bring this crowd-pleasing recipe to your next gathering where everyone will ask for seconds.

Storing Chicken Parmesan Pasta Correctly

• Store leftover Chicken Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate chicken and pasta to prevent sogginess and maintain crispy texture.
• Wrap the container tightly with plastic wrap or use a sealed container with a secure lid.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier than chicken breasts.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

• What if I don't have marinara sauce?

No worries! You can substitute with pasta sauce, tomato sauce, or even crushed tomatoes. Just add some Italian herbs to boost the flavor.

• Is there a healthier way to cook the chicken?

Instead of frying, you can bake the breaded chicken in the oven at 425°F for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.

Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

This hearty chicken parmesan pasta blends Italian-American comfort classics into one satisfying dish. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and marinara sauce combine perfectly for a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions until tender, then drain and reserve.
2. Transform chicken breasts into delicate cutlets by slicing horizontally.
3. Create a savory coating by blending breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
4. Dredge chicken cutlets through beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage, then generously coat with seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
5. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F). Sear chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
6. Utilize the same skillet to heat marinara sauce, then introduce cooked pasta and toss until evenly distributed.
7. Strategically layer crispy chicken cutlets atop the sauced pasta.
8. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken and pasta.
9. Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and allow cheese to melt completely for 2-3 minutes.
10. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves for added fragrance and visual appeal. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Trim chicken breasts to even thickness before slicing for consistent cooking and crispy coating.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and lighter texture in the breading.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before coating to help breading adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Swap chicken for tofu or eggplant to make a vegetarian version of this dish that’s equally delicious.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg