Sizzling Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Family Dinners

Culinary magic happens when chicken parmesan meets comfort pasta in this mouthwatering dish.

Melted cheese blankets tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles with rich, bold flavors.

Layers of marinara sauce create a hearty embrace that feels like a warm hug from an Italian grandmother.

Crispy chicken cutlets provide a satisfying crunch against silky pasta strands.

Weeknight dinners just got an incredible upgrade with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary that will make you feel like a professional chef.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta That Checks Every Box

• Quick and Comforting Meal: Whip up this chicken parmesan pasta in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that combines protein, pasta, and cheese into a satisfying meal that requires minimal dishwashing afterward.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults will love the crispy breadcrumb topping, melted cheese, and bold Italian-inspired seasonings that make this dish universally appealing.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by switching pasta types, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Ingredients

• Chicken Cubes: Tender protein that adds hearty flavor to the pasta dish, choose boneless and skinless chicken for easy cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances overall depth of flavor and helps cook the pasta, low-sodium version recommended for better control of salt levels.

• Seasoning Salt, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Red Pepper Flakes: Creates a complex and zesty flavor profile, adjust spice levels to personal preference.

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well, use regular or whole wheat based on dietary needs.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides rich tomato base, choose high-quality jarred sauce or homemade version.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds creamy, melty texture to the dish, shredded version melts most easily.
• Panko Bread Crumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Creates crispy golden topping with savory cheese notes, fresh Parmesan recommended for best flavor.

• Oil: Helps with cooking and adds a slight richness, use olive or vegetable oil.
• Minced Garlic: Provides aromatic base flavor, fresh garlic gives best taste.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Cooking Walkthrough

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Seasoning salt
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Red pepper flakes

Cook until chicken develops a golden-brown exterior.

Step 2: Build the Pasta Base

Add minced garlic and sauté for one minute.

• Chicken broth
• Penne pasta
• Marinara sauce

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Simmer for 15-20 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 3: Melt and Prepare Topping

Stir mozzarella cheese into the pasta until it melts completely.

• Panko bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the pasta.

Step 4: Crisp and Finish

Drizzle remaining oil over the pasta.

Transfer to the oven and broil for a few minutes.

Watch carefully until the cheese bubbles and bread crumbs turn a beautiful golden brown.

Remove and serve immediately.

Simple Pasta Tips for Chicken Parmesan Flavor

• Pat chicken cubes dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
• Choose high-quality penne with ridges to help sauce cling better and create more delicious bites.
• Remove skillet from heat when adding mozzarella to prevent overcooking and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to make the dish mild or extra spicy based on your personal heat preference.
• Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe celiac-friendly.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Keep Warm

• Store leftover chicken parmesan pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness and maintain pasta's moisture.
• Revive pasta's flavor by gently reheating in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little extra marinara sauce to restore texture.
• Freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Pasta Add-Ons for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Crisp Chardonnay Companion: Select a medium-bodied white wine with buttery notes that complements the rich cheese and savory chicken flavors. Its subtle oak undertones balance the pasta's robust marinara sauce.
• Fresh Herb Garden Salad: Toss mixed greens with basil, parsley, and light vinaigrette to provide a zesty, refreshing contrast against the hearty pasta dish. Crisp vegetables cut through the creamy cheese and add bright, clean flavors.
• Garlic Roasted Focaccia: Serve warm, crusty bread with olive oil and herbs to soak up extra sauce. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior perfectly match the pasta's texture and enhance overall dining experience.
• Citrus Sparkling Water: Offer a light, effervescent drink that cleanses the palate between bites. Lemon or lime-infused sparkling water helps cut through the richness and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the cheesy pasta.

Flavor Twists For Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap penne pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties made from rice, quinoa, or corn. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a topping.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and skip the Parmesan cheese.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce breadcrumb quantity and use almond flour for a lower-carb coating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or shells. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust or omit them based on your spice preference. For no heat, simply skip the red pepper flakes.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken cubes should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Cut a piece in half to check there’s no pink inside.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare most steps in advance, but add cheese and breadcrumbs just before serving to maintain their crispy texture. Reheat gently to prevent overcooking the pasta.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent chicken parmesan pasta marries classic Italian flavors with comforting pasta perfection. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 454 grams) cubed

Pasta and Sauce:

• 400 grams uncooked penne pasta (14 oz or 4 slightly heaped cups)
• 650 ml tomato marinara sauce (2 1/2 cups)

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1/8–1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons oil

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Instructions

1. Ignite a spacious skillet with oil over medium-high temperature, introducing chicken cubes seasoned with aromatic spices – garlic powder, Italian herbs, seasoning salt, red pepper flakes, and traditional salt.
2. Sauté the chicken until golden brown and crisp exterior develops, then incorporate minced garlic and allow fragrance to permeate for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Pour chicken broth, penne pasta, and robust marinara sauce into the skillet, elevating heat to create a vigorous boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
4. Allow the pasta to cook and absorb liquid for 15-20 minutes, ensuring tender pasta and harmonious flavor melding.
5. Gently fold mozzarella cheese into the mixture, stirring until fully melted and creating a creamy, luxurious texture throughout the dish.
6. In a separate preparation, blend Panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese to create a crisp, savory topping.
7. Generously scatter the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture across the pasta’s surface, providing a delightful crunchy layer.
8. Conclude by delicately drizzling remaining oil and transferring the skillet to the broiler, allowing the top to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece within minutes.

Notes

• Experiment with gluten-free penne or whole wheat pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
• Toast the Panko breadcrumbs beforehand for extra crunch and deeper flavor profile before sprinkling over the dish.
• Swap chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version without losing the delicious texture and taste.
• Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt for a heart-healthy alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg