Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Chicken and Marinara

This easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta brings together everything people love about classic chicken Parmesan in a cozy baked pasta dish. Tender Italian-seasoned chicken, marinara sauce, pasta, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese are combined in one hearty skillet for a family-friendly dinner that feels comforting, satisfying, and simple enough for a busy weeknight.

This baked chicken Parmesan pasta gives you the familiar flavor of Italian Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, without the extra work of breading and frying chicken. It is a 30-minute pasta dinner made with simple ingredients and finished in the oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and delicious.

Chicken Parm Pasta is a wonderful option for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or any time you want a warm and cheesy chicken pasta recipe that will please a crowd. It has the rich tomato flavor of marinara, the savory taste of garlic and Italian seasoning, and the creamy pull of mozzarella in every bite.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Traditional Chicken Parmesan is usually made with crispy breaded chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and cheese. For this chicken Parmesan pasta bake, the breading is left out to save time, reduce extra steps, and make cleanup easier. Skipping the breading also keeps the dish lighter while still giving you the classic tomato, chicken, and cheese combination.

The result is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty chicken pasta dish with plenty of comforting flavor. The pasta absorbs the marinara sauce, the chicken stays tender, and the cheeses melt into a golden topping that makes this recipe feel special without being complicated.

Chicken Parm Pasta Ingredients

• Pasta: Small or medium pasta shapes work best, such as penne, ziti, rigatoni, or rotini.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is used here, but boneless chicken thighs can also be used.
• Oil: Olive oil adds flavor, although any mild cooking oil will work.
• Aromatics: Onion and fresh garlic create a savory base for the sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Use homemade marinara sauce or your favorite store-bought version.
• Cheese: Shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan give this pasta its classic cheesy finish.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes add balanced flavor.
• Garnish: Chopped parsley or fresh basil adds color and freshness before serving.

How To Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta

For full measurements and step-by-step directions, use the recipe card below. The basic method is simple: cook the pasta until just al dente, prepare the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe skillet, combine everything, top with cheese, and bake until melted.

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Season the chicken with salt and ground black pepper.
• Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente, then reserve a little pasta water before draining.
• In an oven-safe skillet, cook the onion until softened. Add the chicken and cook until it is cooked through.
• Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, then cook briefly until fragrant.
• Add the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes, then reduce the heat.
• Stir the drained pasta into the skillet with half of the Parmesan cheese. Add reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
• Top with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
• Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
• Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve warm.

Crunchy Chicken Parmesan Topping

This recipe keeps the chicken unbreaded to make the pasta easier and quicker to prepare. If you want the crunchy texture of traditional chicken Parmesan, you can add a simple breadcrumb topping before baking.

• Combine 1/2 cup of Panko bread crumbs with 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning or dried parsley and 1 to 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the cheesy chicken pasta before baking. For a deeper golden color, place the skillet briefly under the broiler, watching carefully so the topping does not burn.

What To Serve With Parmesan Pasta

This easy chicken Parmesan pasta pairs well with a simple green salad or Caesar salad. Dinner rolls are also a delicious choice if you want a complete comfort-food meal. Because the pasta is rich and cheesy, a fresh salad makes a nice contrast and keeps the meal balanced.

Can I Make This Chicken Pasta Recipe In Advance?

Yes, this pasta recipe can be prepared in advance. Cook the chicken and pasta, then combine them with the marinara sauce. Transfer the mixture to a 3-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking so the pasta is not too cold when it goes into the oven. Bake until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover chicken Parmesan pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

To reheat in the oven, cover the pan and bake in a preheated 300-degree oven until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, until hot.

More Easy Recipe Ideas

• One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
• French Martini Drink
• Baked Cod
• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
• Instant Pot Beef Stew
• Apple Crisp
• Ways to Cook Asparagus

Recipe adapted from The Chunky Chef.

The Best Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

5 from 5 reviews

Kathy McDaniel

This comforting Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines Italian-seasoned chicken, marinara sauce, pasta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a simple baked pasta dish.

Prep 10 mins

Cook 20 mins

Total 30 mins

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 12 ounces small or medium pasta, such as rotini, ziti, rigatoni, or penne
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, about 8 ounces
• Chopped basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Season the chicken with salt and ground black pepper, then set it aside.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente. It will continue cooking in the oven, so do not overcook it.
4. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, for about 4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
6. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, or until cooked through. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for about 1 minute. Pour in the marinara sauce and add the red pepper flakes, then lower the heat.
7. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until combined. If the mixture looks dry, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water.
9. Top with the mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the pasta to a greased 9-by-13-inch baking pan before baking.
10. Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped basil or parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

• If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, use a 9-by-13-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray.
• Any small or medium pasta shape can be used.
• Homemade or store-bought marinara sauce both work well.
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast.
• For a crispy topping, combine 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs with 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried parsley and 1 to 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle over the pasta before baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 522 kcal, Carbohydrates: 52 g, Protein: 37 g, Fat: 18 g, Saturated Fat: 8 g, Cholesterol: 84 mg, Sodium: 1056 mg, Potassium: 861 mg, Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 8 g, Vitamin A: 867 IU, Vitamin C: 11 mg, Calcium: 336 mg, Iron: 3 mg