Quick and Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Oh hey there, grab a cup of coffee or maybe just lean back in your chair because I’m about to share a little slice of chaos from my kitchen. Meet my go-to Quick and Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta. It’s not just any pasta. It’s the king of comfort foods, the hero of hectic weeknights, and the failsafe for those evenings when tearing apart a rotisserie chicken feels like too much effort. This dish is a whirlwind of cheesy, tomatoey goodness that doesn’t ask you for much to deliver a lot. Why should you try it? Well, because pasta dreams do come true, and this one is living proof.

Ah, this dish. You know you’ve nailed it when the entire family crowd-surf their way to the table before you’re even done calling them. My husband, bless his heart, always swears he’s “not that hungry” until the aroma drifts his way, and suddenly he’s all in. As for the kiddos? It’s a minor miracle when they eat something other than goldfish or dinosaur chicken nuggets without protest. This pasta has somehow become our quirky family mascot — always there to save the day or at least the dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Quick and Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta

1. Because you can make it faster than your toddler can say “spaghetti” for the hundredth time.
2. It’s practically a party in your mouth with every cheesy bite.
3. No fancy ingredients. Just the good ol’ fridge and pantry favorites doing a star turn.
4. It’s both hilariously easy and deliciously misleading — they’ll think you busted your butt cooking. Yeah, you didn’t.

How to Make It

Okay, lean in. This isn’t rocket science, but it’s kitchen magic. You start by cooking up your pasta, any shape you love or whatever’s hanging out in the pantry. While that’s going, take your chicken, a bit of olive oil, and whispers of garlic and throw them into a pan to do their thing. Now, resist Urge No. 1 to hide under the table with a spoon and a tub of parmesan. Instead, mix the chicken with some tomato sauce and let those flavors become best friends.

Toss your pasta in like it’s arriving at a flavor party. Don’t be shy with the basil or oregano — Italian grandmas would approve. Finish it off with a majestic shower of parmesan and mozzarella. Let it melt like you’re serenading it with a love song. Find yourself a comfy nook (or a screaming toddler to wrangle) while it finishes in the oven for what feels like forever (but it’s only 10-ish minutes). Boom — dinner is served, and so is your sanity.

Ingredient Notes

– Chicken: Cook it with love (or frustration, depending on your day). When it goes wrong, it’s usually dry. That’s why olive oil is your best buddy.
– Pasta: Use whatever. Literally. Got spaghetti? Cool. Macaroni? Hell yeah. Just don’t skip it. Or do, but that might be soup.
– Parmesan: The hero we need and deserve. Once I used shaker parmesan and, well, never again. Get the good stuff.

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook in olive oil until golden.
3. Stir in garlic and tomato sauce, simmer for a few minutes.
4. Add cooked pasta to the pan, mix in basil or oregano.
5. Top with mozzarella and parmesan, bake until cheese is bubbly.
6. Serve hot, and bask in your family’s gratitude.

What to Serve It With

A side of garlic bread that mysteriously disappears before hitting the table? Perhaps a green salad that’s more of a garnish than a side. Or, you know, on its own with a nice glass of something adulty, because you deserve it.

Tips & Mistakes

If you burn the garlic, that’s the universe telling you to make toast instead. Seriously, just toss it and start over. Listen to your kitchen instincts. They might be wild, but they’re usually right.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers with a promise you won’t eat them cold while standing in front of the fridge. In the fridge, these babies last about 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until they’re as cozy as a warm blanket. Eating it cold? Well, it’s not terrible, but not exactly breakfast-in-bed either.

Variations and Substitutions

Sub in turkey or tofu for chicken when you’re feeling adventurous or avoiding the grocery store. Add more veggies if you’re throwing a casual nod at health. Once, I used cheddar instead of mozzarella, and nobody left because cheese is cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick and Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This quick and easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines crispy chicken, melted cheese, and a flavorful tomato sauce served over pasta for a comforting weeknight dinner.

No ratings yet

Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook Print

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ▢ 1 tsp salt
• ▢ 0.5 tsp black pepper
• ▢ 1 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
• ▢ 2 large eggs beaten
• ▢ 1.5 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• ▢ 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ 2 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 3 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
• ▢ 8 oz penne pasta cooked al dente
• ▢ 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ▢ 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
• In a baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce. Place fried chicken on top and cover with remaining sauce.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken and sauce.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• While chicken bakes, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain well.
• Serve the baked chicken parmesan over the cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights and can be prepared ahead of time for an easy meal prep option.