Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe combines all the classic flavors of chicken parmesan in a quick and comforting one-pot dish. With tender pasta, crispy breaded chicken, and a rich marinara sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese add a delicious, gooey finish that brings everything together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Made in one pot or pan, making cleanup quick and hassle-free.
• Family-Friendly: A satisfying and filling meal that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
• Versatile: Customizable with additional ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or red pepper flakes.
• Classic Flavor: Brings all the best parts of traditional chicken parmesan into a simple pasta dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken tenders)
• Salt and black pepper
• Italian breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Olive oil
• Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your preferred shape)
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces in Italian breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the breaded chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Cook the Pasta:
   In the same skillet, add uncooked pasta and marinara sauce. Add enough water to cover the pasta and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Combine:
   Once the pasta is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
5. Melt the Cheese:
   Cover the skillet again for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 to 6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Different Cheeses: Swap out mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a slightly different flavor.
• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Use your preferred pasta variety to suit dietary preferences.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken can work. Add it toward the end of the recipe to prevent overcooking.

2. What type of pasta works best?

Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta that holds sauce well is ideal for this dish.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this a gluten-free meal.

4. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh to avoid it becoming too soft.

6. What can I use instead of marinara sauce?

Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes with added seasonings can be used if marinara isn’t available.

7. Is there a low-carb version of this dish?

Yes, you can substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative.

8. Can I bake this instead of cooking it on the stove?

Yes, you can transfer the cooked pasta and chicken to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

9. How do I make it extra crispy?

For extra crispy chicken, bake the breaded chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden before adding it to the pasta.

10. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned sauce?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be diced and cooked down with garlic, onion, and Italian seasonings to make a homemade sauce.

Conclusion

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe offers a delicious combination of crispy chicken, tender pasta, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with melted cheese. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to make and sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving the flavors of classic chicken parmesan without the extra effort!

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop & Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines crispy breaded chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy topping for a perfect comfort meal. A restaurant-quality dish made easy at home!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Flatten the chicken breasts to even thickness.
   • Dredge each breast in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and fry chicken until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per side). Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 1 minute.
   • Add heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
   • Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   • Toss cooked pasta in the creamy sauce.
   • Slice the crispy chicken and place it on top of the pasta.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

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Notes

• You can bake the chicken instead of frying for a healthier version.
• Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.