Chicken parmesan pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food—crispy, cheesy, saucy, and totally satisfying. This go-to weeknight hero combines the timeless charm of classic chicken parm with the heartiness of baked pasta, all in one easy, family-friendly dish.
Imagine golden, breaded chicken nestled in a bed of tender pasta, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and finished with bubbling layers of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole house smell like an Italian trattoria—and gets everyone running to the dinner table.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or cooking for guests, this easy chicken parmesan pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple enough for beginners but flavorful enough to feel special. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use pantry staples like dry pasta, jarred sauce, and shredded cheese.
Why You’ll Love It:
- ✅ One-dish comfort – pasta + crispy chicken + melted cheese = happiness
- ✅ Make-ahead friendly – assemble earlier and bake when ready
- ✅ Customizable – swap in gluten-free pasta, add veggies, or spice it up
This isn’t just a recipe—it’s your new secret weapon for easy, cheesy pasta dinners with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the bubbling, cheesy goodness, let’s gather all the essentials. This chicken parmesan pasta bake is made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients—but the flavors come together like magic.
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this Italian-inspired pasta dinner to life:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta (or any short pasta you like)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Optional Add-ins (for extra flair):
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- 1 cup chopped spinach or zucchini for a veggie boost
- A few slices of fresh mozzarella for melty pockets
💡 Tip: For extra crispy chicken, double-coat it—dip once in egg, then breadcrumbs, and repeat. It gives that irresistible golden crust we all love in a classic chicken parm.
👩🍳 How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Let’s bring this cozy dish to life, step by step. From crispy chicken to gooey baked pasta, here’s exactly how to make your chicken parmesan pasta irresistible.
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. For extra crunch, repeat the process once more.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken cutlets for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let them rest.
2. Boil the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the penne pasta until just al dente—about 1–2 minutes less than the package suggests.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Mix the Sauce and Pasta
In the same pot (or a large mixing bowl), stir together the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Assemble the Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread half of the pasta mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Slice the crispy chicken and layer it over the pasta.
Add the remaining pasta on top. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
For extra indulgence, dot the top with fresh mozzarella slices if you’re using them.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving—it’ll help everything set up beautifully.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve hot and enjoy every gooey, cheesy bite.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken—but give it a quick broil to crisp it up before layering.
⏱ Prep & Cook Time Breakdown
One of the best parts about this chicken parmesan pasta is that it feels fancy—but it comes together in under an hour. Here’s how your time will be spent so you can plan dinner without the guesswork.
Prep Time
- 15–20 minutes
This includes slicing and breading the chicken, boiling the pasta, and prepping your sauce and cheese.
🔥 Cook Time
- 25–30 minutes
You’ll need about 10 minutes to cook the chicken on the stovetop, plus 20 minutes to bake everything until bubbly and golden.
⏳ Total Time
- Approximately 45–50 minutes
From start to finish, you’ll have a hearty, family-pleasing meal ready in under an hour—even faster if you prep some components in advance.
💡 Time-saving tip: Want to speed things up? Use pre-cooked or frozen breaded chicken tenders and jarred marinara for a delicious shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Size & Yield
This chicken parmesan pasta is designed to satisfy a hungry crowd while keeping prep stress-free. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to serve family-style, right from the bubbling baking dish to the dinner table.
👨👩👧👦 How Many Does It Serve?
- Serves 4 to 6 people comfortably
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or casual gathering with friends. If you’re feeding bigger appetites or planning for leftovers, feel free to double the batch.
Portion Tip:
For even plating, scoop with a large serving spoon and aim for roughly 1½ to 2 cups per person. Each serving includes a hearty portion of pasta, sauce, and slices of crispy chicken—so no one leaves the table hungry.
Great Pairings:
- A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or warm ciabatta rolls
- Steamed broccoli or roasted zucchini for a veggie side
💡 Hosting tip: Want to stretch it further? Serve with an appetizer like bruschetta or a small soup starter to make it feel like a complete Italian-style dinner experience.
Tips & Variations
Want to make this dish your own? Here are some easy ways to tweak, upgrade, or simplify your chicken parmesan pasta while keeping all the flavor and comfort you love.
🔁 Ingredient Swaps
- Swap penne for rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti—any pasta that holds sauce well will work beautifully
- No fresh chicken? Use rotisserie chicken or frozen breaded cutlets for a faster prep
- For a lighter version, skip the breading and grill or bake the chicken with just seasoning
Cheese Tips
- Mix in provolone or fontina with the mozzarella for extra melty goodness
- Love a golden crust? Sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on top with a drizzle of olive oil before baking
Veggie Boost
- Stir in baby spinach, mushrooms, or diced zucchini with the pasta and sauce to sneak in more veggies
- Add roasted red peppers or artichokes for an elegant twist
Add a Kick
- Stir a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara for subtle heat
- Top with a drizzle of spicy garlic oil just before serving
🕒 Make-Ahead Magic
- Assemble everything up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake
- Bake from cold, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the oven time
💬 Friendly tip: This dish freezes surprisingly well! Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a comforting, no-fuss meal anytime.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Made a little too much? No worries—this chicken parmesan pasta stores like a champ and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the pasta cool completely before storing
- Transfer to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil
- Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days
❄️ Can You Freeze It?
Absolutely!
- Place cooled pasta into a freezer-safe container or wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap
- Label and freeze for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture
🔥 How to Reheat Without Drying Out
- Oven method (best for texture):
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes if you want the cheese to crisp up again. - Microwave method (best for speed):
Transfer to a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of marinara or water to keep it moist, then heat in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring between bursts.
💡 Pro tip: If reheating just one portion, slice the chicken smaller so it warms up evenly with the pasta. This helps keep the outside crispy and the inside tender.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Curious about what’s on your plate? Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional content per serving of this hearty chicken parmesan pasta. Please note that values may vary slightly depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Total Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 880mg
- Calcium: 280mg
- Iron: 2.1mg
💡 Want to lighten it up? Try using grilled chicken instead of breaded, swap regular pasta for whole wheat or chickpea-based pasta, and opt for a light marinara sauce with no added sugar.
This dish strikes a tasty balance between indulgence and comfort. Paired with a side of greens, it’s a satisfying meal that still fits into a balanced lifestyle.
FAQs
Still have a few questions? You’re not alone! Here are some quick answers to the most common questions about making this cheesy chicken pasta masterpiece.
Can I make this chicken parmesan pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it as instructed—just add 5–10 extra minutes to account for the chill.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or ziti are perfect because they hold onto the sauce and layer well in the baking dish. Avoid delicate pasta shapes, which can break down during baking.
Can I use store-bought breaded chicken?
Absolutely. If you’re short on time, frozen or deli-prepped breaded chicken cutlets are a great shortcut. Just make sure to crisp them up in the oven or air fryer before slicing and layering.
How do I keep the pasta from drying out?
Don’t skip the sauce! Make sure your pasta is well-coated in marinara before baking. If it looks a little dry, add an extra spoonful or two of sauce or a splash of water before layering on the cheese.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes—super kid-friendly! With crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and pasta all in one dish, it’s a guaranteed hit. You can even let the little ones help sprinkle the cheese on top.
💡 Tip: Want to add a touch of elegance? Serve it in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a dinner-party-worthy presentation.
chicken parmesan pasta recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs beaten
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 oz 340 g penne pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves optional
Optional Add-ins:
- Red pepper flakes
- Chopped spinach or zucchini
- Fresh mozzarella slices
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken, dip in beaten eggs, coat in breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, then pan-fry in olive oil until golden.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Mix Sauce and Pasta
- Toss pasta with marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Assemble
- Layer half the pasta in a baking dish, add sliced chicken, top with remaining pasta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Bake
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest before serving.
Garnish
- Top with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the fridge.
- Freezing Instructions: This pasta bake freezes well! Store cooled portions in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil for 20–25 minutes. For single portions, microwave with a splash of sauce to keep it moist.
- Custom Variations: Feel free to swap in gluten-free pasta, grilled chicken, or add sautéed veggies like spinach or zucchini to make it your own.
- Pairing Ideas: Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted veggies for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.