If you’re craving a comforting meal without the fuss, the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. It’s the perfect medley of saucy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This beloved Italian-American classic is simplified into one skillet, bringing all the flavors you adore into a quick, satisfying weeknight dish. Best of all, it can be on your table in about half an hour, delivering that cozy, homemade taste with a fraction of the effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple but flavorful. Each ingredient in this dish brings a little magic—whether it’s a punch of cheesy richness, bright herbs, or that robust tomato sauce. Here’s what you’ll need and why every element deserves its place in your pan:
- Chicken breasts: Lean, boneless, and quick-cooking, they soak up the flavors and keep things protein-packed and satisfying.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the savory notes in your dish.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and complexity.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs gives your pasta the classic Italian flair everyone loves.
- Olive oil: For sautéing chicken to golden perfection and adding a subtle, fruity richness.
- Garlic: Minced fresh, garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth and irresistible flavor.
- Marinara sauce: The soul of the recipe—choose your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for a sweet, tangy tomato base.
- Chicken broth: Helps cook the pasta right in the sauce, keeping everything moist and extra savory.
- Penne or rotini pasta: Uncooked noodles cook with the chicken and sauce, soaking up all those amazing flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy, stretchy bliss for that signature cheesy pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty depth and a hint of classic Parm aroma.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Totally optional, but a sprinkle adds freshness and a lovely pop of color on top.
- Red pepper flakes: For those who like a little extra kick without overpowering the dish.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, making sure every piece gets evenly coated. This quick step amps up every bite with herbal notes and savory depth.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook it for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned on the outside and cooked through. This not only locks in juiciness but also creates delicious caramelized bits in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
With the chicken done, toss in your minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute, just until it’s golden and fragrant. This quick sauté infuses the oil and chicken with those unmistakable garlicky notes.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, giving everything a good stir so the flavors meld. Stir in your uncooked pasta, too—this is what makes the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe so easy, with everything cooking together in one pot.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is perfectly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, creating a rich, thick sauce.
Step 6: Stir in the Cheeses
Now for the best part: stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Watch as they melt into the pasta, turning everything irresistibly creamy and cheesy—this is what really sets the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe apart!
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Off the heat, scatter on your chopped basil or parsley and, if you like heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve hot and get ready to soak up the compliments!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh basil or parsley brings vibrant color and a refreshingly herby finish. For an extra special touch, add a dusting of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes to lift the flavor even more.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta is pretty satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crisp garlic bread or a fresh green salad tossed with a zippy vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed veggies—like broccoli or green beans—are a fantastic way to round out the meal with loads of color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or want to impress, try spooning your Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe into individual ramekins, topping each with extra cheese, and broiling until bubbly and golden. Or heap it onto a platter and let everyone gather around for family-style feasting—just set out tongs and watch it disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge! Transfer any extras to an airtight container and store for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner even tastier.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Let your pasta cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in quick bursts, stirring in between for even melting.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne or rotini hold the sauce really well, but shells or fusilli work great too. Just keep the quantity the same and adjust the simmering time if needed to make sure your pasta is perfectly tender.
Can I make this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe vegetarian?
You sure can. Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth. The result is just as hearty and packed with flavor!
What’s the best cheese for topping?
Mozzarella gives you that classic, gooey cheese pull, while Parmesan adds salty, nutty richness. Feel free to use a blend—or toss in some provolone or fontina if you want an extra decadent finish.
How can I make this dish ahead for a busy week?
You can prep the chicken and even assemble the entire dish up to the point before adding the cheese. When ready to eat, simply heat through and stir in the cheeses right before serving for ultimate freshness and melt.
Is the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe spicy?
Not unless you want it to be! The base is mild and family-friendly. Add as much or as little red pepper flakes as you prefer to personalize the heat level for your crowd.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a surefire hit to your weeknight rotation or wow guests with minimal effort, don’t wait to try this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe. It’s everything you love about the classic, streamlined for busy lives and bursting with comfort in every cheesy, saucy forkful. Give it a whirl and get ready for happy, satisfied smiles around your table!
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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan in an easy-to-make pasta dish. Tender chicken, savory marinara sauce, and melted cheese come together with pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add garlic and sauté, then pour in marinara sauce and chicken broth.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until pasta is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Garnish with basil or parsley and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For a crispier texture, transfer the dish to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden.
- Consider using whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1⅓ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
