chicken parmesan pasta recipe
A cheesy, comforting chicken parmesan pasta bake made with crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara, and melty mozzarella—perfect for family dinners.
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.