Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Cheesy, Saucy Comfort in One Skillet

Chicken Parmesan Pasta blends all the comforting flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan with the ease of a pasta casserole, making it a go-to solution for hearty, satisfying weeknight dinners. This oven-baked one-skillet recipe uses golden breaded chicken cutlets, tender cavatappi or penne, melted mozzarella and Parmesan, all enrobed in savory marinara sauce—no need for frying or fussing with multiple pans.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parm Pasta

• Weeknight-Friendly: Uses store-bought frozen breaded chicken for a major shortcut—kids and adults alike will thank you.
• One Skillet: Everything cooks together, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
• Perfectly Cheesy: Gooey, melted mozzarella and nutty Parmesan make this dish irresistibly creamy and savory.
• Customizable: Swap cheeses, use your favorite noodle, or try with fresh or leftover chicken.

Ingredients

Optional Add-Ins & Swaps

• Use homemade chicken tenders if you prefer from scratch, or grilled/cooked chicken for a lighter touch.
• Try different cheeses like fontina or provolone for new flavors.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or spinach for extra veggies.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta about 2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente. Drain and set aside. (Tip: Reserve about ½ cup pasta water.)
2. Cook Onions & Garlic: In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high, heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and softened—about 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce Base: Pour in the marinara sauce and 1 tsp. Kosher salt. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the flavors meld for 3-5 minutes.
4. Combine With Pasta & Cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing carefully so each piece is coated with the marinara sauce. Scatter in half of the Parmesan, tossing again until it melts and binds the mixture. (Add a splash of reserved pasta water if mixture looks too thick.)
5. Add Cheese Toppings & Chicken: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and all the mozzarella evenly over the saucy pasta. Slice the cooked breaded chicken cutlets and neatly arrange them in a single layer on top of the cheese.
6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to a preheated 425°F oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is deeply melted, bubbly and golden at the edges, and the chicken is heated through.
7. Finish With Garnishes: Remove from the oven and immediately top with torn fresh basil leaves, a grind of black pepper, and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the gooey, satisfying goodness!

Tips for the Best Chicken Parm Pasta

• Choose the Right Pasta: Shaped pastas like cavatappi, penne, or rigatoni catch all the cheesy sauce in their curves and ridges.
• Don’t Skip the Broil: For an extra-melty and golden cheese topping, broil the skillet under high for the last 2–3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning!
• Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt more smoothly and add more flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 1 day. Bake just before serving.
• Use Leftovers Creatively: This dish keeps well for meal prep and leftovers make killer lunchboxes.

Serving Suggestions & Sides

An Italian-American comfort food classic like Chicken Parmesan Pasta deserves tasty companions on the table. Try these:

• Garlic Knots: Buttery, garlicky knots are perfect for scooping up extra cheesy sauce.
• Sheet-Pan Panzanella Salad: A fresh, hearty bread salad that balances the richness of the pasta.
• Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: For simple, bright flavor and color.
• Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, Parmesan, and creamy dressing cuts through cheesy richness.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Storage: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven, covered, for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout. Or microwave in single portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Freezing: This baked pasta can be frozen before or after baking. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as above.

Chicken Parm Pasta Variations

• From-Scratch Chicken: If you’d rather not use frozen cutlets, bread and pan-fry your own chicken breasts.
• Lighter Version: Substitute grilled or roasted chicken for a lighter, less decadent twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara or sprinkle chili oil over the top after baking.
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with breaded eggplant rounds or boost with extra veggies like roasted zucchini.

Make It a Meal: Expert Pairings

• Wine: A spicy Chianti or full-bodied Zinfandel will stand up to the dish’s rich flavors.
• Salad: Peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette offers a peppery, refreshing counterpoint.

Chicken Parm Pasta Recipe FAQ

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

• Soggy Pasta? Slightly undercook the pasta before baking so it holds texture.
• Dry Casserole? Add a little more marinara and some reserved pasta water to ensure juiciness.
• Cheese Not Melting? Let the skillet sit at room temperature for a bit before baking, or broil at the end for a golden finish.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Values are approximate and will vary depending on ingredient brands and swaps.

Related Recipes To Try

• Classic Chicken Parmesan
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• One-Pot Chicken Parm Pasta (Gluten-Free Option)

Keywords: chicken parmesan pasta, chicken parm, pasta bake, Italian comfort food, cheesy casserole

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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