Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute love for chicken parmesan pasta! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. It’s everything you want in comfort food—tender, juicy chicken coated in crispy breadcrumbs, all smothered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with bubbling, gooey cheese. Seriously, what’s not to love? I whip this up whenever I’m craving something hearty and satisfying, and it never disappoints! Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Trust me, once you dive into a plate of this chicken parmesan pasta, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style for extra flavor)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought, your choice!)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s time to bring that delicious chicken parmesan pasta to life. Trust me, you’re going to love how simple this is!
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key to getting that cheese perfectly bubbly later on.
- While the oven is heating up, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. You want that flavor to really shine through, so don’t be shy!
- Now, it’s time to coat the chicken. Dredge each breast in breadcrumbs until they’re fully covered. I like to press the breadcrumbs in a bit to get a nice, thick crust.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part—no pink should be showing!
- While the chicken is cooking, grab a baking dish and spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom. This keeps the chicken from sticking and adds flavor.
- Once the chicken is cooked, place it on top of the sauce in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Now, here comes the best part! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top. Seriously, the more cheese, the better!
- Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is all melty and bubbly, and the chicken is heated through.
- Finally, serve this scrumptious chicken parmesan on a bed of your favorite cooked pasta. Don’t forget to spoon some of that delicious marinara sauce from the dish over the top!
And there you have it! A comforting plate of chicken parmesan pasta ready to be devoured. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Nutritional Information for Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious chicken parmesan pasta! This hearty dish is a satisfying meal that packs a punch with about 600 calories per serving. You’ll get around 25g of fat, with 10g being saturated, plus a solid 35g of protein to keep you feeling full and energized. It’s made up of roughly 70g of carbohydrates, which makes it great for a post-workout dinner! Just keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every bite, guilt-free!
Tips for Success with Chicken Parmesan Pasta
To make your chicken parmesan pasta truly shine, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t rush the seasoning—let those flavors really soak into the chicken. For a crunchier coating, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones; they add an extra layer of texture. Also, feel free to jazz up the marinara sauce with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a burst of freshness!
If you want to switch things up, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with eggplant or mushrooms. And don’t forget—you can add veggies like spinach or bell peppers to the pasta for a nutritious boost. Enjoy experimenting!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- It’s a comforting, hearty meal that satisfies every craving.
- With simple steps, it’s incredibly easy to make, even on busy weeknights.
- The combination of crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and melted cheese is simply irresistible!
- You can customize it with your favorite pasta and veggies for an extra twist.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- Leftovers (if you have any!) taste amazing the next day!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Parmesan Pasta
To make your chicken parmesan pasta dinner even more delightful, consider serving it alongside a fresh, crisp salad. A simple arugula salad with cherry tomatoes, a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette, and some shaved Parmesan is a perfect pairing! If you’re in the mood for something warm, garlic bread is always a hit—who doesn’t love dipping it into that marinara sauce? You could also roast some seasonal veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers, for a colorful and nutritious side. Trust me, these accompaniments will elevate your meal to the next level!
Common Questions About Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Got questions about making chicken parmesan pasta? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw them before seasoning and cooking. It’ll help them cook evenly and taste delicious.
What type of pasta works best? You can use any pasta you love! Spaghetti and penne are popular choices, but feel free to experiment with whatever you have on hand. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven—so convenient!
What if I don’t have marinara sauce? No problem! You can use any tomato-based sauce or even a homemade sauce with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It’ll still turn out fantastic!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave, and you’ll have a quick meal ready to go!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of chicken, you can check out Healthline’s article on chicken nutrition. Additionally, if you’re interested in homemade marinara sauce recipes, visit Serious Eats for a great guide!
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Chicken Parmesan Pasta: 7 Simple Steps to Comforting Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken parmesan pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, marinara sauce, and pasta topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Dredge the chicken in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce.
- Place the chicken on top and cover with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve over cooked pasta.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat pasta.
- You can substitute chicken with eggplant for a vegetarian version.
- Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken parmesan pasta, Italian pasta, chicken recipe
