Name: Chicken Parm Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed); 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti); 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup panko or Italian breadcrumbs; 1 egg, beaten; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp olive oil

Chicken Parm Pasta a quick and easy twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan, this Chicken Parm Pasta combines juicy, crispy chicken, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese all tossed together with pasta for a comforting meal that's sure to please. Whether you're looking for a speedy dinner or a delicious weeknight dish, this recipe will satisfy your cravings with minimal effort!

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)

8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)

1 cup marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup panko or Italian breadcrumbs

1 egg, beaten

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 tablespoon olive oil

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Bread & Cook the Chicken: Toss the chicken cubes in the beaten egg, then coat them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until it turns golden brown and crispy.

Mix Everything Together: Add the cooked pasta and marinara sauce to the pan with the chicken. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the sauce.

Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture, then top it with shredded mozzarella. Cover the pan for 2 minutes to let the cheese melt, or alternatively, broil it in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve & Enjoy: Once everything is hot and melted, serve the Chicken Parm Pasta immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Total Time: 30 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with crispy tofu or eggplant slices for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for an extra layer of heat.

Different Cheeses: Swap out mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses to mix things up.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I like to store any leftover Chicken Parm Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, I recommend microwaving in short intervals, stirring between each, or reheating in a skillet over low heat. If you'd like to restore the melted cheese, you can cover it with a lid or place it under the broiler for a minute or two.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes! If using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely before cubing and breading it. You can thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

What kind of pasta should I use?

I like to use penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti, but any short pasta will work perfectly well. Feel free to choose your favorite!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chicken and pasta ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply combine the two and melt the cheese as instructed.

How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

For extra crispy chicken, you can double coat the chicken pieces by dipping them in egg and breadcrumbs twice. You can also pan-fry them in a little more oil or even bake them in the oven for a crispier texture.

Can I freeze the Chicken Parm Pasta?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the assembled pasta (without the cheese melted) in an airtight container for up to a month. To reheat, bake at 350°F until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

Conclusion

This Chicken Parm Pasta is a quick, flavorful twist on a classic favorite that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. With crispy chicken, gooey melted cheese, and hearty pasta all brought together in a rich marinara sauce, it's a dish that’s sure to satisfy. It’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make—what’s not to love?

Recipe:

Chicken Parm Pasta

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Chicken Parm Pasta is a quick and easy twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan. Featuring juicy, crispy chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese all tossed with your favorite pasta, it's the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Perfect for those craving a hearty, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you opt for penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti, the delicious combination of flavors and textures will leave you coming back for more.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Bread & Cook the Chicken: Coat chicken cubes in beaten egg, then breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Mix Everything Together: Add cooked pasta and marinara sauce to the pan with chicken. Toss to combine.
Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the pasta, then top with mozzarella. Cover for 2 minutes to melt the cheese, or broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the cheesy, comforting flavors!