The Best Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort meets culinary elegance in this mouthwatering chicken parmesan pasta that strikes the perfect balance between classic Italian flavors and hearty home cooking.

Tender chicken breasts coated in crispy breadcrumbs dance atop a bed of perfectly al dente pasta, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Melted mozzarella and sharp parmesan cheese blanket the dish with irresistible golden-brown goodness.

Every forkful promises a delightful blend of crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly seasoned pasta.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to savor each delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing dinner.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or rotini for similar results. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick. You can reduce or omit them for a less spicy version, or add more for extra heat.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, lean chicken breast, low-fat cheese, and reduce the amount of olive oil. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance, store separately in the refrigerator, and combine and reheat when ready to serve. Just add fresh cheese when reheating.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta – Big Reasons to Love

• Boost Family Dinner Excitement: Create a crowd-pleasing meal that combines classic chicken parmesan flavors with pasta, making it an instant hit for picky eaters and food lovers alike.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Prepare a delicious one-skillet wonder that reduces dishes and cooking time, perfect for busy weeknight meals with minimal cleanup required.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by controlling red pepper flakes, swap proteins, or add extra vegetables to make the recipe your own personal comfort food masterpiece.
• Impress Without Stress: Achieve restaurant-quality results with basic cooking skills, transforming simple ingredients into a cheesy, flavorful dish that looks and tastes professionally prepared.

Essentials for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken: Tender cubed meat that provides protein and bulk to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: Core ingredient that serves as the foundation of the recipe.

• Marinara Sauce: Tangy tomato-based sauce that adds rich flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps cook the pasta and enhances overall moisture.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that melt and create a gooey, delicious texture.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and fragrance to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that provides traditional Mediterranean taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy component that adds a subtle heat to the pasta.

• Olive Oil: Cooking medium used to sauté chicken and prevent sticking.
• Fresh Basil: Bright herb used as a fresh garnish to finish the dish.

Easy Steps for Cheesy Chicken Parm Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Toss cubed chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook until chicken turns golden brown and is completely done through.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Awaken The Garlic

In the identical skillet, gently cook minced garlic until its aromatic fragrance fills the kitchen.

Step 3: Combine Pasta Magic

• Pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Thoroughly mix all ingredients together.

Step 4: Simmer And Soften

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower heat.

Cover and let simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Melt The Cheese

• Cooked chicken
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese becomes wonderfully melted and stretchy.

Step 6: Finish With Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle fresh basil on top and serve piping hot.

Enjoy your delectable meal!

Tips for Creamy Parmesan Pasta Results

• Marinate chicken in Italian seasoning and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Select short pasta like penne or rotini that traps sauce and cheese better than long noodles for maximum flavor in every bite.
• Let cheese sit at room temperature before adding to ensure smooth, even melting without clumping.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference – start with less and add gradually for perfect warmth.
• Use an oven-safe skillet to finish dish under broiler for crispy cheese topping and restaurant-style presentation.

New Chicken Parm Pasta Ideas

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with crispy tofu cubes or plant-based chicken alternative for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add kalamata olives, swap Italian seasoning for oregano and za'atar, and include crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, cheesy essence of the original recipe.

Best Ways to Dish Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Cheesy Comfort Combo: Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy dish.
• Bread Lover's Delight: Serve alongside warm, garlic-buttered Italian bread or crusty focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the flavors with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir, which beautifully matches the tomato and cheese elements.
• Family-Style Feast: Present the pasta in a large, rustic serving dish at the center of the table, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy a communal dining experience.

Pasta Storage for Future Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Maintains quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour pasta into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets Italian charm in this chicken parmesan pasta, blending crispy chicken with rich marinara and melted cheese. Hearty ingredients create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed)

Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat (375°F), creating a golden searing environment for the chicken cubes.
2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sauté until exterior turns crispy and golden brown, ensuring thorough internal cooking (approximately 6-8 minutes).
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining skillet’s heat and remaining flavorful residue.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing aromatic notes to develop and permeate the cooking surface for 30-45 seconds.
5. Pour pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes into the skillet, thoroughly mixing ingredients to create a uniform sauce.
6. Elevate mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, covering skillet and allowing pasta to simmer and absorb liquid (12-15 minutes).
7. Gently stir pasta periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking and sauce distribution.
8. Incorporate previously cooked chicken, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy, cohesive texture.
9. Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh basil across the dish for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
10. Serve immediately while pasta remains hot and cheese stays wonderfully melted.

Notes

• Swap protein options by using tofu, shrimp, or ground turkey for diverse dietary needs.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or omitting them for mild palates.
• Choose whole wheat pasta to increase fiber and nutritional value of the dish.
• Use low-sodium broth and marinara sauce for heart-healthy modifications.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg