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Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Chicken Parmesan pasta with penne simmered in rich marinara and topped with golden breaded chicken and bubbling mozzarella. This one-pan chicken parm pasta bakes until the cheese melts and turns golden over every inch of the dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken breading
  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs Beaten.
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese Grated (for breading).
Pasta and sauce
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 12 oz penne pasta Cooked.
  • 3 cup marinara sauce
  • 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese For topping.
  • 1 fresh basil For garnish.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Bread and pan-fry the chicken
  1. Dredge the chicken pieces in all-purpose flour, then dip them in the beaten eggs and coat with the Italian breadcrumbs mixed with 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
  2. Pan-fry the coated chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through, then drain on paper towels.
Assemble and bake
  1. Toss the cooked penne with marinara sauce, then pour it into a greased 9x13 baking dish.
  2. Arrange the crispy chicken pieces over the sauced pasta in an even layer.
  3. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with the additional 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
  4. Bake at 375°F for 20-22 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden; garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Notes

For crispier chicken, make sure the oil is hot before adding the breaded pieces and avoid overcrowding the pan. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. Freezing is not recommended because the breading can soften after thawing. If you want a lighter version, swap half the mozzarella for part-skim mozzarella while keeping the bake time the same.