Irresistible Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort meets excitement in this delightful chicken parmesan pasta that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Crispy golden chicken nestles perfectly among tender pasta strands.

Melted cheese creates a blanket of pure deliciousness across each bite.

Sharp marinara sauce adds a vibrant punch of flavor that dances through the dish.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients combine into something truly spectacular.

Professional chefs would nod with approval at this clever twist on a classic favorite.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible meal that brings Italian-inspired magic right to your table.

FAQs

• Why should I dredge the chicken in flour before breading?

The flour helps the egg and breadcrumb mixture stick better to the chicken, creating a crispier and more even coating that prevents the breading from falling off during cooking.

• Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken tenders work perfectly for this recipe. They’re smaller and already thin, so you’ll skip the slicing and pounding steps, making preparation even easier.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there’s no pink and the juices run clear.

• What if I want to make this dish healthier?

You can bake the breaded chicken instead of frying by placing it on a wire rack over a baking sheet and cooking at 425°F (218°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through. This reduces oil usage while maintaining a crispy texture.

Why Chicken Parmesan Pasta is Always a Hit

• Combines classic chicken Parmesan with pasta, creating a delicious one-dish meal that brings incredible taste without complicated techniques.
• Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe offers a hearty and satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults with its cheesy, crispy chicken and pasta combination.
• Breaks down into manageable stages with clear instructions, making it approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced chefs.
• Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasonings, making it a flexible recipe for various tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients Breakdown for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender meat for the base of the dish.

• Flour: Helps create a crispy coating.
• Eggs: Binds the breading to the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Basil: Adds flavor and creates a crunchy exterior.

• Pasta: Classic base for the chicken parmesan dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides rich tomato flavor.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Adds creamy and savory elements.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Cooking Steps for Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Tender Chicken Cutlets

Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets.

Use a meat mallet to gently flatten each piece for even cooking.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Stations

Arrange three bowls: flour bowl, beaten eggs bowl, and seasoned breadcrumb mix bowl.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off excess.

Dip into beaten eggs.

Coat fully with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture to create a golden, crispy layer.

Step 4: Fry Chicken to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Fry chicken cutlets for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil.

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Assemble Delicious Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a large baking dish.

Mix cooked pasta with remaining sauce and add to the dish.

Arrange crispy chicken cutlets on top.

Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dish is heated through.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Handy Tips for Chicken Parmesan Pasta Success

• Choose fresh, thick chicken breasts without bruises or discoloration for the most tender and flavorful results.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to help the coating stick better and prevent a soggy texture during frying.
• Keep oil at a consistent medium-high heat to ensure crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlets without burning or undercooking.
• Stir pasta occasionally while cooking and rinse with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
• Spread cheese evenly across the top of the dish for maximum melting and a beautiful golden-brown finish that adds delicious flavor and visual appeal.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Parmesan Pasta Properly

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping pasta and chicken separate to maintain optimal texture.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent freezer burn.
• Place pasta and chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the chicken and melt cheese.

Side Ideas That Pair with Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Elevate Flavor Pairing: Crisp Chardonnay wine complements the rich, cheesy chicken parmesan pasta with its buttery notes and balanced acidity, cutting through the dish's heaviness while enhancing its savory profile.
• Refreshing Salad Companion: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness, offering a zesty contrast that cleanses the palate between bites and adds freshness to the meal.
• Wine Alternative Delight: Opt for a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese, which brings out the tomato sauce's depth and matches the Italian-inspired flavors of the chicken parmesan pasta, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Side Dish Harmony: Roast garlic-parmesan asparagus spears as a complementary side dish, echoing the parmesan flavors while providing a green vegetable element that adds nutritional balance and visual appeal to the plate.

Ways to Switch Up Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Replace regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake and create a lighter, vegetable-based dish perfect for keto dieters.
• Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan Pasta: Substitute chicken with breaded and baked eggplant slices, maintaining the classic Italian-style layering and cheese elements for plant-based eaters.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy, and replace milk in egg wash with almond or oat milk to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken parmesan pasta blends Italian comfort with hearty home-style cooking, melding crispy chicken and rich marinara sauce over perfectly al dente noodles. Cheese-lovers and pasta enthusiasts will savor this irresistible meal that brings classic flavors to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Chicken Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning:

• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon dried basil

Cooking Fat:

• 0.5 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Pasta Components:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or spaghetti pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh basil or parsley

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Instructions

1. Craft thin chicken cutlets by slicing breasts horizontally and gently tenderizing with a meat mallet to ensure uniform thickness.
2. Establish a three-station breading setup: flour, whisked eggs, and seasoned breadcrumb mixture with Parmesan, herbs, and spices.
3. Meticulously coat each cutlet by dredging in flour, dipping in eggs, then thoroughly covering with seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature and fry chicken cutlets until achieving a golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
5. Simultaneously, boil salted water and cook pasta until reaching al dente consistency, then drain and reserve.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish by spreading a thin marinara sauce layer.
7. Combine pasta with remaining marinara sauce, ensuring complete coating.
8. Arrange crispy chicken cutlets atop the sauced pasta.
9. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the chicken and pasta.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a bubbly texture.
11. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Slice chicken breasts horizontally for uniform cooking and faster preparation, ensuring each piece is evenly cooked and tender.
• Create a crispy coating by patting chicken dry before breading, which helps breadcrumbs adhere better and prevents soggy texture.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan in the breading mixture for enhanced flavor complexity and a more authentic taste profile.
• Choose high-quality marinara sauce or make homemade sauce to elevate the overall dish’s taste and authenticity.
• For gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and use cornstarch instead of wheat flour.
• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking it slightly under al dente, as it will continue cooking during the baking process.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg