There’s something magical about combining the bold flavors of crispy chicken, melty mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce. Now imagine all of that in a hearty pasta dish! This Chicken Parmesan Pasta brings all the comforts of the classic Italian-American dish into a one-pan, weeknight-friendly meal.

I first made this recipe when I wanted the indulgence of chicken parmesan but didn’t have the time for breading and frying. The result? A dish that’s just as satisfying, with less work and cleanup! Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Get ready for your new favorite way to enjoy chicken parmesan without the fuss. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids alike, and here's why:

First, it’s an all-in-one meal. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a savory marinara sauce come together in one pan. It’s dinner made simple, with minimal prep and cleanup.

Next, the flavor is incredible. From the crispy bits of seared chicken to the gooey melted mozzarella cheese, every bite is packed with comforting goodness.

You’ll also love how quick and easy this is. In just under 40 minutes, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.

Finally, it’s versatile and customizable. Use your favorite pasta shape, switch up the cheeses, or add extra veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here. Dice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Chicken thighs are a great substitute if you prefer a richer flavor.
Pasta: Short pasta like penne or rotini is ideal because the sauce clings to their ridges. Feel free to use what you have on hand, but avoid long noodles like spaghetti for this recipe.
Marinara Sauce: A high-quality jarred marinara sauce adds convenience and flavor. If you have homemade sauce, even better!
Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully into the dish. Pre-shredded cheese works too but may be less creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds that nutty, salty flavor we all love in chicken parmesan.
Garlic and Onion: These aromatics form the flavor base for the dish. Mince the garlic finely and dice the onion small for the best results.

You’ll also need olive oil, salt, pepper, and some Italian seasoning to round out the flavors. No special equipment is necessary – just a large skillet with a lid!

How To Make This Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This recipe is as simple as it is delicious. Here’s how to make it step by step:

Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add it to the pan. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden crust, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken for extra flavor.
Add the Sauce and Pasta
Stir in the marinara sauce and water (use the empty jar to measure, about 2 cups). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir well to coat the pasta in the sauce.
Simmer and Combine
Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook in the sauce for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, return the chicken to the pan and stir it in.
Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta. Cover the skillet again and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Storage Options

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta is just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerate: Store the cooled pasta in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

When reheating, add a splash of water or marinara sauce to prevent the pasta from drying out. Warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or eggplant for a veggie-friendly twist.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for some heat.
Cheese Alternatives: Try provolone or fontina for a different cheesy experience.
Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers when adding the pasta to boost the nutrition.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly.

Don’t be afraid to get creative – this dish is forgiving and welcomes experimentation!

There you have it – a hearty, comforting Chicken Parmesan Pasta that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or indulging in a cozy dinner for two, this recipe is sure to impress. What are you waiting for? Grab your skillet and get cooking!