Quick Family-Favorite Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Crispy, golden chicken meets a classic Italian-inspired dish in this mouthwatering chicken parmesan pasta recipe that promises to deliver restaurant-quality flavors right to your dinner table.

Tender chicken cutlets get coated in a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb mixture, creating an irresistibly crunchy exterior.

Each bite brings together the rich, melted cheese and tangy marinara sauce that hugs every strand of pasta.

The combination of textures and flavors makes this meal a true crowd-pleaser for any night of the week.

Layers of parmesan, mozzarella, and herbs elevate this simple chicken dish into something extraordinary.

You’ll find yourself savoring every single forkful of this comforting, hearty meal.

Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can create such a spectacular dinner.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 615 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Flour: Helps create a crispy, golden exterior for the chicken and ensures the egg and breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken for maximum crunch.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a delightful crispy texture and adds a golden-brown coating to the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the breading with a rich, nutty flavor and helps create a extra-crispy crust.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies the overall flavor of the chicken coating.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the breading mixture.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses the breading with a warm, aromatic flavor profile.

• Pasta: The hearty base of the dish that catches and holds the delicious sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides a classic, tangy tomato base that brings the entire dish together.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a burst of herbal complexity to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a gentle heat that brightens the entire dish.

• Chicken Breasts: The protein-packed star that creates a crispy, golden centerpiece.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve a perfect golden-brown sear on the chicken.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a creamy, stretchy layer that binds the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish to the top of the dish.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Provides a fresh, bright garnish.

Cooking Tools For Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly.
• Three bowls: Needed for breading station with flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture.
• Skillet or frying pan: Used for cooking chicken and creating sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Baking dish or oven-safe pan: Required for optional cheese-melting step.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help measure ingredients accurately.
• Colander: Useful for draining cooked pasta.
• Cutting board: Helpful for preparing garnish like basil or parsley.

How To Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Easily

• Boil Pasta

Create a simmering water bath with a sprinkle of salt. Drop pasta and cook until tender. Drain and set aside.

• Prepare Chicken Coating

Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with beaten egg, and the last with seasoned breadcrumbs. Coat chicken pieces by dipping through each station.

• Crisp the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame. Sizzle chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior. Transfer to a waiting plate.

• Build Flavor Base

In the same pan, pour marinara sauce and awaken it with Italian herbs and a dash of red pepper. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring full coverage.

• Melt Cheese Layers

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan throughout the pasta. Nestle crispy chicken pieces on top. For extra indulgence, slide the pan into a hot oven and let cheese bubble and brown.

• Finish and Plate

Scatter fresh herbs over the dish. Serve immediately with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal that promises comfort and excitement.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Tips That Work

• Crispy Chicken Coating Pro Tip: Double-dip chicken in breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy exterior that stays crisp even after adding sauce.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the entire dish celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic chicken parmesan flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare breaded chicken and sauce separately, then assemble and bake just before serving to maintain optimal crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and dairy-free mozzarella cheese alternatives to create a delicious version suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.

How To Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Well

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this cheesy chicken pasta with a crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich, warm dish.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Serve alongside garlic knots or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and catch every last bit of melted cheese.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the savory flavors with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir, which balance the tomato and cheese beautifully.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, herbal note that cuts through the dish's richness.

Storage Tips For Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Refrigerator Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Quick Freeze Technique: Package individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Chicken Parmesan Pasta freezes wonderfully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir halfway through for even heating. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese to revive the dish's delicious charm.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare chicken and pasta components separately to extend freshness. Store breaded chicken and sauce in separate containers. Combine just before serving to keep crispy chicken texture intact and prevent soggy ingredients.

Crispy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rich chicken parmesan pasta combines classic Italian flavors with comforting pasta textures. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and marinara sauce create a satisfying meal that delights home cooks and dinner guests alike.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (90 g) Italian breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg, beaten
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 12 oz (340 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 24 oz (680 g) marinara sauce
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Chicken Breading: Create a three-stage coating process. First, dust chicken in flour, then dip in whisked eggs, and finally coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Ensure complete and even coverage for each piece.
3. Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place breaded chicken into the pan, cooking until achieving a crisp, golden-brown exterior. Flip once, cooking 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside on a clean plate.
4. Sauce Development: In the same skillet, pour marinara sauce. Enhance with Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Incorporate cooked pasta, thoroughly coating each strand with the vibrant sauce.
5. Cheese Integration: Distribute half the mozzarella and Parmesan throughout the pasta. Strategically place the crispy chicken pieces on top of the cheesy mixture.
6. Final Baking: Transfer skillet to a preheated 375°F oven. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the dish. Bake for 10 minutes until cheese melts into a bubbling, golden crust.
7. Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately alongside garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Pasta Precision: Cook pasta al dente by testing a strand 1-2 minutes before package instructions to prevent mushiness, ensuring a perfect texture that holds up in the sauce.
• Breading Brilliance: Pat chicken completely dry before breading to help coating adhere better and create an extra crispy exterior that won’t fall off during cooking.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe consumption while maintaining juicy tenderness.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Let cheese rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow proper melting and prevent stringy, uneven coverage across the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 615
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 73 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg