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
Scale
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
