Save Baked Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta bake featuring tender chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and a golden, cheesy topping. It's perfect for family dinners or gatherings and brings Italian-American flavors straight to your table.
The first time I made this dish, I watched everyone return for seconds—they loved the crispy, cheesy top! It quickly became a family favorite whenever we craved something cozy yet effortless to prepare.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) penne or rigatoni pasta
- Sauce: 700 ml (24 oz) marinara or tomato-basil pasta sauce, 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Cheese: 200 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese, 60 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 100 g (1 cup) Italian-style breadcrumbs
- For Serving & Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional), olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 22x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
- Season & Cook Chicken:
- While pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle a little olive oil and cook chicken breasts 4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a board, cool slightly, and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced chicken, marinara sauce, garlic, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Mix well.
- Assemble:
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, then top with breadcrumbs. Lightly spray the top with olive oil.
- Bake & Serve:
- Bake for 20 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden brown. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.
Save My kids always help sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumbs before baking—it's become a fun tradition! It's a wonderful dish to bring everyone together at the table.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta bake pairs beautifully with a green salad and garlic bread. For a classic Italian-American dinner, serve it with a glass of Chianti or your favorite medium-bodied red wine.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta, breadcrumbs) and milk (cheese). Eggs may be present in some breadcrumbs. Always check product labels to ensure safety for dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 530 calories, with 17 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 37 g protein.
Save This Baked Chicken Parmesan Pasta is just as delicious the next day. Enjoy a cozy, hearty meal that everyone will request again and again!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work best due to their shape, but you can substitute with any pasta that holds sauce well.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cook the chicken on medium-high heat until just done, avoiding overcooking. Rest before dicing to retain juices.
- → What cheese types create the best crust?
A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan adds creaminess and a golden, slightly crispy topping.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking. Add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- → What garnish complements the flavors best?
Fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, baked layers.
- → Is there a way to add some heat to the dish?
Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce to introduce a gentle spicy kick.