If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines saucy pasta, juicy chicken, and gooey cheese all in one dish, this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is about to become your new weeknight staple. It takes everything you adore about classic chicken parmesan and transforms it into a bubbly, irresistible casserole that’s simple enough for busy evenings but delicious enough to serve at gatherings. With pantry staples and a handful of fresh touches, you’ll have a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and destined to disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe has a role to play, from building rich flavor to creating that signature cheesy top. Simple, familiar items come together for a result that looks and tastes impressive without fuss.
- Pasta: Penne or rotini work best, holding onto the sauce and cheese for every bite.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces so every forkful has chicken.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the dish its classic Italian aroma.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness.
- Marinara sauce: Provides a tangy, tomatoey base that ties everything together.
- Water or chicken broth: Loosens the sauce just enough so the pasta can soak up all the flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into stretchy, gooey goodness throughout the casserole.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty punch to every layer.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs (optional): Sprinkled on top for a golden, crispy finish.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne or rotini and cook until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside—this helps ensure it remains perfectly tender when baked later with all that tasty sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned on all sides and cooked through. This step locks in the flavor and gives the chicken those irresistible golden edges.
Step 3: Simmer with Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and water or chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer—this allows the chicken to soak up even more flavor while the sauce thickens slightly. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point!
Step 4: Combine with Pasta and Cheese
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated in sauce. Reduce the heat to low and mix in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they start to melt. This creates that classic creamy, cheesy texture throughout the dish.
Step 5: Transfer and Top
Pour the chicken and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top, and if you like a little crunch, scatter on the seasoned breadcrumbs. This layer gets beautifully golden and bubbly in the oven.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake your casserole in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top has a gorgeous golden color. If you prefer an extra-crispy topping, broil for the last couple of minutes while keeping a close eye on it. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a bright, herby finish, then serve warm and enjoy every cheesy forkful!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that really wakes up the whole dish. If you want to go the extra mile, a final dusting of grated Parmesan right before serving is never a bad idea.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe stands strong on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a basket of warm, crusty garlic bread for scooping up the extra sauce. Roasted vegetables or simple steamed broccoli also make for a wholesome, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style comfort, serve straight from the baking dish at the table. For a dinner party twist, portion the pasta into individual ramekins before baking for adorable, personal servings. You can even top each serving with an extra basil leaf or a little Parmesan crisp for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge. Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Freezing
If you’d like to prep ahead, this pasta bake freezes beautifully. Assemble the entire dish (but hold off on baking), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover and warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. A splash of water or broth can help revive the sauce if it thickens too much after chilling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are classic choices for the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe, any short pasta like ziti or rigatoni will work well and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta to create a version everyone can enjoy. Be sure to check that your breadcrumbs are gluten-free too, if you’re using them for the topping.
Can I substitute rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Just add it to the sauce and skip the stovetop browning step, then proceed as usual.
How can I make the top extra crispy?
For a truly golden, crunchy finish, broil the casserole for the last two to three minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, and enjoy that irresistible crispiness!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s hot and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to make dinner both easy and unforgettable, give this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe a spot on your weekly menu. It’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with big Italian-American flavors everyone will love. I can’t wait for you to dig in and share this favorite with your kitchen crew!
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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich marinara sauce, combined with pasta and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and offers the classic flavors of Italian-American chicken Parmesan in a convenient baked pasta form.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the penne or rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Prepare the sauce and combine: Stir the marinara sauce and water or chicken broth into the cooked chicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Add cheese and assemble: Reduce the heat to low and stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Transfer this pasta and chicken mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add toppings and bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. If using, evenly distribute the seasoned breadcrumbs on top for added crunch. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm for a hearty and delicious meal.
Notes
- For a faster alternative, use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts.
- To achieve a crispier topping, broil the baked dish for the last 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Substitute with gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities or dietary preferences.
- Ensure the baking dish is properly greased to prevent sticking and ease serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
