If you’re craving comfort food that’s impossibly easy and downright irresistible, this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe will win your heart (and your taste buds) in just one skillet. Imagine juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara, and a luscious blanket of gooey cheese—all finished off with a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s like your favorite chicken parm, all cozied up with pasta, and destined to become a weeknight hero or a weekend treat for the whole family.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is how it relies on pantry-friendly staples and a few fresh finishing touches. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, from crunch and creaminess to tang and depth. Here’s a closer look at the lineup:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these cook quickly and soak up all the vibrant flavors.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Italian seasoning: A classic blend that gives the dish its unmistakable Italian-American aroma and taste.
Garlic powder: Infuses every bite with subtle, savory warmth—no peeling required!
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the bright tomato sauce.
Penne or rigatoni pasta: Both shapes hold sauce brilliantly and offer a satisfying chew.
Marinara sauce: Choose a good-quality jarred or homemade sauce for the heart of the dish.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into that classic, stretchy cheese-pull on top.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes and deepens the savory flavor.
Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to a crispy topping—lighter and crunchier than traditional crumbs.
Butter: Gives richness and helps toast the panko to golden perfection.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Freshens everything up with a pop of green and herbal brightness.
Extra Parmesan for serving: A final flourish for cheese lovers and a nod to tradition.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your penne or rigatoni. Cook it until just al dente—meaning tender with a slight bite—following the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. This sets the stage for perfectly textured pasta that won’t go mushy later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta is bubbling away, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss your chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper before adding them to the hot pan. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken develops a delicious golden crust and is cooked through. These bite-sized pieces ensure every forkful has a little chicken magic.

Step 3: Simmer with Marinara

Pour in your marinara sauce and give everything a good stir, making sure that each piece of chicken gets coated. Reduce the heat and let it all simmer gently for about 5 minutes. The result? Unbelievably tender chicken infused with saucy, tomatoey flavor.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheeses

Add your cooked pasta straight into the skillet and sprinkle in half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir well, letting all that cheesy goodness melt and mingle with the saucy chicken and pasta. It’s about to get creamy and delicious!

Step 5: Toast the Breadcrumbs

In a separate small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in your panko breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and fragrant. This step gives your Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe its signature crispy crown.

Step 6: Assemble and Broil

Scatter the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and all of the toasted panko breadcrumbs over the pasta mixture. Place your skillet under a preheated broiler for 2 to 4 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbling and the topping is lightly browned. Watch it closely—this is where it goes from good to utterly irresistible!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

For a fresh finish, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and bring your Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe to the table piping hot. Don’t forget an extra dusting of Parmesan for those who can’t get enough cheese.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way with this dish. A shower of fresh parsley adds brightness and an inviting pop of color, while extra Parmesan gives an added hit of savory goodness. For a touch of heat, consider a sprinkle of red pepper flakes!

Side Dishes

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty Italian vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus work wonders, and you can never go wrong with classic garlic bread to mop up every bit of cheesy marinara.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in small cast iron skillets or ramekins for a restaurant-style presentation. Or, if you’re feeding a crowd, bring the skillet straight to the table for a family-style feast that’s as dramatic as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored this way in the fridge, your Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—making it a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze it, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently in the oven (covered with foil) at 350°F until heated through, or zap individual servings in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. If the pasta looks a little dry, add a splash of marinara or water before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne and rigatoni are classic choices for holding the sauce, you can use just about any sturdy pasta you have on hand—ziti, fusilli, or even farfalle are all tasty options.

Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinara to give the dish a subtle kick that plays well with the creamy cheese and crispy topping.

Can I make the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe ahead of time?

You can fully assemble the dish up through adding the cheese and breadcrumbs, then refrigerate it until ready to broil. Just add 5 extra minutes under the broiler to ensure everything is heated and bubbly.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

If panko isn’t handy, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even finely crushed croutons. The texture will be a bit different, but you’ll still get that crave-worthy crunch.

Is there a shortcut for cooking the chicken?

Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is a fabulous shortcut here. Simply shred or chop it and stir it into the sauce with the pasta and cheeses. You’ll save a step and still get loads of flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s full of cozy flavor and straightforward enough to make any night of the week, give this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe a try. It’s pure comfort in a skillet, and I can’t wait for you to share it with your favorite people!

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a comforting and satisfying meal with this Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe. Tender chicken, savory marinara sauce, and a cheesy topping come together to create a delicious dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Extra Parmesan for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté in olive oil until fully cooked.
Combine Ingredients: Add marinara sauce to the chicken, then mix in cooked pasta and half of the cheeses.
Prepare the Topping: Melt butter, stir in breadcrumbs, and toast until golden brown.
Assemble and Broil: Sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over the pasta. Broil until bubbly and lightly browned.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot.