Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a delicious, one-pan meal that combines crispy breaded chicken, tender pasta, marinara sauce, and lots of melty cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that delivers all the flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan in an easy, pasta-based version—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Meal – Easy cleanup with minimal dishes.
• Crispy & Cheesy – The perfect balance of crunchy chicken and gooey cheese.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, making it great for busy nights.
• Family Favorite – A comforting dish that everyone will love.
• Customizable – Adjust seasonings, pasta type, or cheese to fit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or Panko)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
• Dip chicken pieces into beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes, turning until golden and crispy.
• Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the Pasta & Sauce

• In the same skillet, add pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
• Stir well, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.

4. Combine Everything

• Stir in the crispy chicken and half of the mozzarella cheese.
• Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

5. Melt the Cheese & Serve

• Cover and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Creamy Version – Stir in ½ cup heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Low-Carb Option – Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
• Baked Version – Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
• Different Proteins – Swap chicken for ground turkey, shrimp, or sausage.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought breaded chicken?

Yes! Air-fry or bake frozen breaded chicken tenders, then chop and add.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well.

Can I bake this dish instead of stovetop cooking?

Yes! Assemble in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally and don’t overcook the pasta.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of marinara sauce?

Yes! Use 2 cups crushed tomatoes with extra garlic and seasoning.

What’s the best cheese for Chicken Parmesan Pasta?

Mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone work best.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes! Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How do I make this dish extra crispy?

Add more Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture and double-fry the chicken.

Can I add veggies?

Absolutely! Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

What’s the best side dish for this meal?

Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that brings together crispy chicken, tender pasta, and a delicious marinara sauce—all in one pan! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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