Quick Homemade Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Family Night

My latest chicken parmesan pasta discovery blends classic Italian comfort with weeknight convenience.

Crispy breaded chicken nestles perfectly among tender noodles draped in marinara sauce.

Cheese melts luxuriously throughout each delectable bite.

Home cooks appreciate simple techniques that produce restaurant-quality results.

Minimal ingredients ensure maximum flavor without complicated preparation steps.

Fresh herbs and quality cheese make this dish shine.

You absolutely want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible meal.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Fan-Favorite Factors

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This recipe transforms complex chicken parmesan into a one-skillet pasta dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and cooking time dramatically.
• Speed Demon Meal: Preparation takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy families or professionals wanting a delicious homemade dinner without extensive effort.
• Customize with Ease: Home cooks can effortlessly swap chicken for ground turkey, add extra vegetables, or adjust seasonings to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Cheesy, saucy pasta with tender chicken appeals to both children and adults, ensuring a stress-free mealtime with minimal resistance from picky eaters.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Flavor Lineup

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that provides protein and substance to the dish. Best when fresh and boneless.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and sharp cheeses that add rich flavor and melty texture.

• Penne Pasta, Rigatoni: Hearty pasta shapes that hold sauce well. Choose pasta with ridges for better sauce adherence.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce that brings tangy and sweet flavors.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook chicken and adds subtle richness. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides deep, savory undertone without raw garlic intensity.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall dish flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Optional garnish that brings fresh, herbal brightness.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Cooking Process

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is completely cooked through, ensuring no pink remains.

Step 2: Simmer In Sauce

Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken.

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet.

Gently toss and stir, making sure every pasta strand gets coated with the delicious sauce and chicken.

Step 4: Melt The Cheese

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely, creating a gooey, irresistible topping.

Step 5: Finish And Serve

Scatter fresh basil leaves over the pasta.

Serve immediately while hot and the cheese is still wonderfully melted.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal right at home!

Chicken Parmesan Pasta – Simple Tips for Even Sauce

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference, ensuring even cooking and tender meat.
• Adjust garlic powder and Italian seasoning quantities to match your taste, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Cook pasta al dente before adding to the skillet, as it will continue absorbing sauce and prevent becoming mushy.
• Select freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella for superior melting and richer taste compared to pre-shredded alternatives.
• Consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to elevate the marinara sauce's complexity and provide a subtle kick.

Keep Chicken Pasta Fresh And Reheat Smoothly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Plates That Suit Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Uncork Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich tomato sauce and cheesy pasta. Its acidity cuts through the creamy cheese while matching the herbal notes of the dish.
• Crisp Caesar Salad Companion: Prepare a zesty caesar salad with homemade croutons and parmesan shavings. The salad's tangy dressing and crunchy texture balance the warm, hearty pasta perfectly.
• Fresh Garlic Bread Sidekick: Bake crusty Italian bread brushed with garlic butter and parsley. Its golden, crispy edges and aromatic garlic provide a delightful contrast to the saucy, cheesy pasta.
• Refreshing Sparkling Lemonade: Craft a homemade lemonade with fresh mint leaves. Its bright, citrusy profile cleanses the palate between bites and offers a light, refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken parmesan pasta.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Saucy Upgrades

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using same seasoning technique for protein-rich meal.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta like brown rice or chickpea pasta, ensuring all seasonings and marinara sauce are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, maintaining the cheesy, saucy flavor profile while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free mozzarella and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese, keeping the creamy texture and savory taste intact.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with the sauce.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables. The seasoning and sauce will still provide excellent flavor.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the chicken while cooking or incorporate a spicy marinara sauce. You can also include diced jalapeños for extra heat.

• What if I don't have fresh basil for garnish?

No problem. You can use dried basil mixed into the sauce or skip the herb entirely. The dish will still taste delicious with the cheesy, saucy goodness.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic Italian flavors in this chicken parmesan pasta masterpiece, blending crispy chicken with rich marinara and melted cheese. Pasta lovers will savor each forkful of golden-crusted chicken nestled among perfectly al dente noodles, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced

Main Carbohydrates:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)

Cheese and Sauce:

• 1 cup (240 ml) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil, carefully introducing diced chicken seasoned with aromatic garlic powder, robust Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Sauté the chicken pieces until they transform into a golden-brown delight, ensuring complete cooking throughout.
3. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, allowing the liquid to meld with the crispy chicken, creating a rich, harmonious base.
4. Let the sauce gently simmer for several minutes, developing deep, concentrated flavors.
5. Introduce the pre-cooked pasta into the skillet, delicately tossing and coating each strand with the savory sauce.
6. Generously cascade mozzarella and parmesan cheese across the top of the dish, creating a tempting blanket of dairy goodness.
7. Cover the skillet, enabling the cheese to melt into a creamy, luxurious layer that embraces the pasta and chicken.
8. Once the cheese reaches a perfect molten state, remove from heat and scatter freshly chopped basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
9. Serve immediately, presenting a steaming plate of comforting, cheese-laden chicken parmesan pasta.

Notes

• Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts for quicker cooking and easier preparation.
• Use low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt levels and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Experiment with gluten-free pasta options like chickpea or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• For extra flavor, toast the herbs briefly in the olive oil before adding chicken to enhance their aromatic qualities.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg