There’s something magical about the combination of crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey melted cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Chicken Parmesan Pasta takes the classic comfort of chicken parmesan and transforms it into an easy, one-pot wonder your whole family will adore.

I discovered this recipe on a chilly evening when I craved my favorite Italian-American dish but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This streamlined version has become a go-to for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with a meal that’s as comforting as it is convenient. Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines all the best elements of traditional chicken parmesan in an easy-to-make format perfect for any night of the week.
First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare. This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights when time is tight.
Second, the one-pot method means minimal cleanup. All the magic happens in one pan, so you won’t have a pile of dishes waiting for you after dinner.
Third, this dish is family-friendly and customizable. Picky eaters will love the classic flavors, while more adventurous eaters can spice things up with red pepper flakes or extra herbs.
Finally, it’s an affordable way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. With simple ingredients like chicken, pasta, and marinara sauce, you can feed your family a hearty meal without breaking the bank.
Whether it’s a busy Tuesday night or a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe fits the bill. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring it to life.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Chicken Parmesan Pasta lies in its simplicity. A handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with flavor.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs stay juicy during cooking, but breasts are leaner and just as delicious if cooked properly.
- Pasta: Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal. Their ridges hold onto the sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: A good-quality marinara makes all the difference. Choose your favorite store-bought brand, or use homemade if you have some on hand.
- Cheese: Shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan create the perfect cheesy topping. For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning over the cheese before melting.
- Breadcrumbs: A sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs adds that signature crunch reminiscent of classic chicken parmesan.
Special equipment? Just a large skillet or a Dutch oven! This recipe is designed to be fuss-free with tools you likely already have in your kitchen.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Creating this mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a breeze. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
- Prepare the Chicken
Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, cooking until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Build the Base
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in your marinara sauce and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. - Cook the Pasta
Add your uncooked pasta directly into the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce. Cover and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce. - Combine and Cheese
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it with the pasta and sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs if using. - Melt and Serve
Cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese, or pop it under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color, and serve hot.
From start to finish, this recipe takes just about 30 minutes – perfect for any night of the week!
Storage Options
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store your Chicken Parmesan Pasta for maximum freshness.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce before microwaving.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Tip: To avoid rubbery chicken, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally.
This dish tastes just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Variations and Substitutions
The versatility of Chicken Parmesan Pasta means you can easily adapt it to your preferences or dietary needs.
- Protein Swap: Use ground chicken, turkey, or even shrimp for a different spin on the dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty meat-free version.
- Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken.
Feel free to experiment and make this dish your own – the possibilities are endless!
There you have it – a comforting, flavorful meal that combines the best of chicken parmesan and pasta in one easy dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this Chicken Parmesan Pasta will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy!
PrintChicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe combines juicy chicken, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and parmesan cheese into a flavorful, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. Cover and let cook until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Swap pasta for gluten-free options if needed.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
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