Easy chicken parmesan pasta is what I cook when life feels too busy for complicated meals. The kitchen smells like garlic, tomato, and melted cheese, and everyone gathers before I even call them. This dish started on a night when I wanted all the comfort of chicken parm without the breading or extra pans.
Now it’s a regular at my table, creamy, cheesy, and ready in 30 minutes. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor. It reminds me of my Mississippi chicken crock pot when I crave comfort or my crockpot honey garlic chicken on cozy nights.
Simple, hearty, and full of love, this chicken parmesan pasta proves you don’t need fancy steps to make something special.
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How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Making easy chicken parmesan pasta takes just one pot, 30 minutes, and a handful of simple ingredients. It’s creamy, hearty, and loaded with flavor.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Ingredients
Here’s what goes into this comforting pasta:
- 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces short-cut pasta (rigatoni or penne work best)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 jar of water (use the empty sauce jar)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Extra Italian seasoning for topping
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- large pot or Dutch oven
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into small cubes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz short-cut pasta (rigatoni or penne)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 jar water (use the empty sauce jar)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra Italian seasoning, optional
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook 5 minutes until almost done, then remove to a plate.
- Add onion and garlic to the same pot. Cook 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in marinara sauce, fill the empty jar with water, and add to the pot. Stir well.
- Add the pasta and cooked chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a strong simmer. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in parmesan and half of the mozzarella. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover for 2–3 minutes until melted.
- Optional: For a baked version, broil 2 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Make it creamy: Stir in two tablespoons of cream cheese at the end for an extra-smooth sauce.
- Save time: Use leftover rotisserie chicken for the same flavor in half the cooking time.
- Go lighter: Substitute low-fat mozzarella and whole-grain pasta for a healthier twist.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs before broiling for a golden top.
- Storage tip: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat with a splash of broth or water.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Total Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook 5 minutes until almost done.
Build flavor: Add onion and garlic. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add sauce and pasta: Pour in the marinara and fill the empty jar with water. Add pasta and bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer: Cover and cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Make it cheesy: Stir in parmesan and half the mozzarella. Sprinkle the rest on top. Cover 2 minutes until melted and gooey.
Optional bake: For a golden crust, transfer to an oven-safe dish and broil 2 minutes.
Serve: Top with basil and enjoy warm.
This dish pairs beautifully with a green salad or a side like fiesta chicken crock pot or my crockpot creamy Tuscan chicken orzo when you want extra comfort on the table.
Tips for the Creamiest Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Getting that smooth, cheesy finish doesn’t take much effort, but a few smart moves make a big difference.
Try these quick tips:
- Use short-cut pasta like rigatoni or penne so every piece holds the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Let it stay slightly firm before adding cheese.
- Grate fresh cheese. Pre-shredded blends melt slower and can clump.
- Stir often. It keeps the sauce creamy and prevents sticking.
- Add extra liquid if needed. A splash of water or broth keeps the texture silky.
If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in two tablespoons of cream cheese at the end for a velvety twist.
Simple Variations of Chicken Parmesan Pasta
You can customize this easy chicken parmesan pasta recipe to fit your taste or what’s in your pantry.
- Add vegetables: Spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes blend in beautifully.
- Try a pasta bake: Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with more mozzarella, and broil until bubbly.
- Use rotisserie chicken: Skip cooking raw chicken and cut total time in half.
- Go lighter: Swap half the cheese for low-fat mozzarella or skip the broil.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
This version fits right alongside my quick, crowd-pleasing dishes like creamy orzo dinners and weeknight chicken skillets. It’s simple comfort food built for busy nights, yet special enough for Sunday dinner.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Serving easy chicken parmesan pasta is all about balance. It’s creamy, rich, and satisfying, so pair it with fresh, light sides that round out the meal.
Here’s how I love to serve it:
- Add freshness: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps the meal bright and cuts through the cheesy sauce.
- Serve with bread: Garlic bread or soft rolls make the perfect scoop for the extra sauce. You can even try it with no-knead artisan bread for a homestyle touch.
- Family-style presentation: Bring the pot straight to the table and let everyone help themselves. It turns dinner into a shared moment, just the way I like it.
Pro tip: If you’re planning leftovers, reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to keep the pasta silky instead of dry.
This dish fits right into a casual family dinner or an easy get-together. Simple, delicious, and always a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta
What pasta goes well with chicken parmesan?
Short pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or rotini hold the sauce perfectly and cook evenly in one pot.
What is the secret to a great chicken parm?
Season your chicken well, use quality marinara, and add cheese in layers for that perfect stretch and flavor.
What’s the difference between chicken parmigiana and chicken parmesan?
They’re the same dish. “Parmigiana” is the Italian name, while “parmesan” is the American version.
What’s the secret to creamy chicken pasta?
Add cheese gradually and stir often. A touch of reserved pasta water or cream cheese creates a smooth texture.
What kind of sauce goes on chicken parm?
Classic tomato-based marinara with garlic and herbs complements the rich cheese and tender chicken.
What kind of cheese is best for chicken parm?
Mozzarella for melt, parmesan for saltiness, and a sprinkle of provolone or fontina for depth.
What are common mistakes to avoid when making chicken parmesan?
Overcooking chicken, skipping seasoning, and using dry pre-shredded cheese can ruin the flavor.
How do you keep breading from falling off chicken parmesan?
If breaded, let coated chicken rest before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.
How to keep chicken crispy when making chicken parmesan?
Bake or broil briefly before serving to re-crisp the surface without drying it out.
What is the best pasta to serve with chicken parmesan?
Penne, rigatoni, or ziti are sturdy enough to hold up to the hearty sauce and cheese.
This easy chicken parmesan pasta takes everything people love about the classic dish and makes it simple enough for any night of the week. The chicken stays tender, the sauce rich and garlicky, and the cheese melts into a creamy blanket that brings everyone to the table fast.
Whether you’re feeding family or cooking for two, this meal proves you can create something warm, filling, and full of flavor in just one pot. It’s quick, mess-free, and guaranteed to taste like home.