Name: Chicken Parm Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

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I make this Chicken Parm Pasta when I’m craving all the comforting flavors of classic chicken Parmesan in an easy, family-style pasta dish. Juicy chicken, rich marinara sauce, tender pasta, and plenty of melted cheese come together in one satisfying meal. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights when I still want something homemade and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers the familiar taste of chicken Parmesan without the extra steps of breading and frying separate cutlets. Everything comes together in one cohesive dish that feels both simple and special.

I also appreciate how customizable it is. I can adjust the cheese, switch up the pasta shape, or add vegetables to make it my own. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that always disappears quickly at the table. Chicken Parm Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Directions

I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. I drain it and set it aside.
In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium heat. I add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly golden.
I stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
I pour in the marinara sauce and add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. I let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors blend together.
I add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
I sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. I cover the skillet and let it cook on low heat for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Alternatively, I transfer it to a baking dish and broil briefly until bubbly and slightly golden.
I garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4–5 servings

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

I sometimes bread and lightly pan-fry the chicken pieces before adding them to the sauce for a more traditional texture. If I want extra richness, I stir a spoonful of ricotta into the pasta before adding the cheese on top.

I also enjoy adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and depth. For a lower-carb option, I swap regular pasta for whole wheat or chickpea pasta.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When reheating, I warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to keep it from drying out. I can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

If I want to freeze it, I let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Chicken Parm Pasta

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

I can definitely use rotisserie chicken to save time. I simply shred it and add it directly to the sauce to heat through.

What type of pasta works best?

I like using penne or rigatoni because they hold the sauce well, but I can use any short pasta shape I have on hand.

Can I bake this dish instead?

I often transfer it to a baking dish, top it with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes until bubbly.

How do I make it extra cheesy?

I add an extra layer of mozzarella on top or mix in a bit of provolone for a richer, gooier texture.

What can I serve alongside this pasta?

I like pairing it with a simple green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.

Conclusion

I find this Chicken Parm Pasta to be the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. It captures all the classic flavors I love while keeping the cooking process simple and approachable. Whenever I want a hearty, satisfying dinner that everyone enjoys, I turn to this recipe.

Chicken Parm Pasta

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A comforting and hearty Chicken Parm Pasta featuring tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy, family-style dish brings classic chicken Parmesan flavors into one simple meal.

Author: Lizaa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–5 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly golden.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with sauce.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Cover and cook on low heat for a few minutes until cheese melts, or transfer to a baking dish and broil briefly until bubbly and slightly golden.
Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve.