There’s something irresistible about the comforting combination of crispy chicken, tender pasta, and a luscious marinara sauce topped with gooey melted cheese. Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner that feels like a special occasion.
The first time I made this dish, I was looking for a way to combine my kids’ favorite meal—pasta—with my love for Italian flavors. The result was a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal that everyone adored. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious recipe your next family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Get ready to meet your new go-to dinner recipe. Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines the best parts of two classic dishes into one easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
First, this recipe is a time-saver. In under 45 minutes, you’ll have a complete dish ready to serve, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spare.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or experimenting with leftover ingredients, this recipe adapts beautifully. From swapping pasta shapes to customizing toppings, you can easily make it your own.
Budget-friendly and easy to prepare, this recipe uses simple pantry staples like pasta, breadcrumbs, marinara sauce, and cheese to create a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.
Lastly, the rich combination of flavors and textures is sure to make this dish a family favorite. Crispy chicken bites paired with al dente pasta and a creamy, cheesy topping create an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients Notes

The success of Chicken Parmesan Pasta lies in its thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each plays a key role in creating a dish full of flavor and texture.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works wonderfully here, offering a tender bite and pairing beautifully with the marinara sauce. For an even juicier option, try chicken thighs, which add a slightly richer flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier coating on the chicken. If you prefer a more traditional texture, you can use regular breadcrumbs. Adding a pinch of Italian seasoning to the coating gives it an extra depth of flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Choose a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for the best results. The sauce is the heart of this dish, so its flavor is essential to the final taste. Look for a sauce with simple, fresh ingredients and no added sugar.
Pasta: While penne or rigatoni are ideal for holding the sauce, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand. Their ridged surfaces ensure every bite is coated with flavor.
Cheese: A combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan is key to achieving the iconic cheesy topping. Mozzarella provides that gooey, melted texture, while Parmesan adds a nutty, savory kick.
Make sure to have a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta. Having these ready will streamline the cooking process.
How To Make This Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Creating this delicious Chicken Parmesan Pasta is simpler than you might think. Let’s go through the process step by step.
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta to al dente. This ensures your pasta doesn’t become mushy when combined with the sauce later. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining, just in case you need to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Cut it into bite-sized pieces, then coat each piece in a mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs. Heat a generous amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy, then set the pieces aside on a plate lined with a paper towel.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in your marinara sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits left behind by the chicken. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat every piece with the marinara sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water.
Layer the cooked chicken on top of the pasta, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let the cheese melt for a few minutes. For a golden finish, you can place the skillet under a broiler for 2-3 minutes.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage Options
Chicken Parmesan Pasta stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
For longer storage, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed above.
Avoid freezing the dish with fresh herbs or cheese toppings; instead, add these after reheating for a fresh taste.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, and there are plenty of ways to make it your own.
For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and substitute some of the mozzarella with a reduced-fat option.
If you prefer more vegetables, sauté diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms in the skillet before adding the marinara sauce. These additions bring color and extra nutrients to the dish.
Looking for a spicy kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce.
You can also switch up the protein. Try breaded tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly twist that keeps the dish hearty and satisfying.
Experiment with different cheese blends, such as fontina or provolone, to create new flavor profiles.
No matter how you customize this recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Grab your skillet and pasta, and let’s make some magic!
PrintChicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe delivers a comforting and delicious meal featuring tender chicken, flavorful marinara, and melted cheese combined with pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this recipe is simple yet irresistibly delicious!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 12 oz (340g) penne or pasta of choice
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika, and cook until golden brown. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in marinara sauce and chicken broth, stirring well. Bring to a simmer.
- Add uncooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to ensure it's fully coated in the sauce. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Mix well to combine.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta. Cover for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta shape for variation.
- Adjust seasoning and spices to suit your taste.
- For an extra cheesy texture, broil the skillet for 2-3 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
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