Hey y'all! If you love classic Italian flavors but crave something easy for busy nights, this Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta will be your new weeknight hero. It's cheesy, saucy, and delivers all the crispy chicken parmesan goodness in one simple, crowd-pleasing pasta bake. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or entertaining friends, this dish comes together fast and never disappoints. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Saves time with simple pantry staples and minimal prep.
- Delivers crispy, golden chicken and gooey, melted cheese in every bite.
- Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks.
- Customizable for picky eaters or dietary needs.
- Provides comforting, homemade flavor without the fuss of frying.
Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup (120g) Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (40g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups (475ml) marinara sauce
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Prep the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Bread and Cook the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken pieces to coat evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Add chicken pieces and gently toss to combine. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes for a golden top, watching closely. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot!
Notes for the Best Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- For extra flavor, use a high-quality jarred marinara sauce or make your own.
- Cut chicken evenly so it cooks through without drying out.
- Want more crunch? Sprinkle extra breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Variations
- Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- Vegetarian: Substitute breaded eggplant or zucchini for chicken.
Required Equipment for Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Colander
Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving & Pairings for Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian meal.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
- Enjoy with a glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and melt.
- Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- For perfectly cooked chicken, use an instant-read thermometer (165°F/74°C is ideal).
Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta FAQ
- Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
- Yes! Shred cooked rotisserie chicken and skip the breading step for an even faster meal.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Assemble everything except the final bake, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
- Is this dish freezer-friendly?
- Absolutely! Freeze baked or unbaked portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat when ready.
For more chicken pasta inspiration, check out this collection of easy chicken pasta recipes on Allrecipes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
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3Pour marinara sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
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4Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with sauce and chicken.
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5Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
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6Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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