Chicken Parm Pasta Recipe: A Comforting and Flavorful Dish

If you’re craving the comforting flavors of Chicken Parmesan but want something a bit different, this Chicken Parm Pasta is the perfect solution. By combining crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese with pasta, this recipe is an easy yet satisfying twist on the classic chicken parm. It’s the ideal dish for a weeknight dinner or any occasion when you need something hearty and delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a solo meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

For additional inspiration, check out this Chicken Parmesan recipe and explore the origins of pasta dishes here.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Let’s dive into the ingredients and follow the simple steps to create this mouthwatering Chicken Parm Pasta.

Easy Chicken Parm Pasta Recipe with Crispy Chicken Cutlets

---

• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This easy-to-make Chicken Parm Pasta combines the crispy goodness of breaded chicken cutlets with tender pasta and a rich marinara sauce. Topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Fresh basil adds a touch of brightness to this classic Italian-inspired dish.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Kosher salt (to taste)
• 12 oz. store-bought cooked frozen breaded chicken cutlets
• 1 lb. cavatappi or other short pasta
• 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 4 cups store-bought or homemade marinara sauce
• 2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup), divided, plus more for serving
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Torn fresh basil, for serving

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Cutlets:

   • Preheat your oven or air fryer according to the instructions on the package of the frozen breaded chicken cutlets.
   • Bake or air fry the chicken cutlets until crispy and heated through, following the package directions. Once done, slice the cutlets into strips or bite-sized pieces and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cavatappi (or other short pasta) according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water. Set the pasta and cooking water aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
   • Add the chopped garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Stir in the marinara sauce, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the marinara sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
   • Stir in 1/2 of the grated Parmesan and 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella, allowing the cheeses to melt and blend into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it.

5. Assemble the Dish:

   • Gently fold in the crispy chicken pieces, allowing them to combine with the pasta and sauce.
   • Once everything is well mixed, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top and allow it to melt into the dish.

6. Serve:

   • Divide the Chicken Parm Pasta into serving plates.
   • Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Alternative Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to substitute the mozzarella with provolone or a combination of other Italian cheeses like fontina.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little extra heat.

Make It Homemade: If you have the time, you can substitute store-bought marinara sauce with your own homemade tomato sauce for a fresh, personalized touch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Pasta, Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop, Oven (or Air Fryer for chicken)
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of the total recipe)
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Chicken Parm Pasta

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

1. Cook the Chicken: Begin by following the package instructions to cook the frozen breaded chicken cutlets. Usually, they can be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until crispy and hot throughout. Once done, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: While the chicken is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi or your chosen short pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is al dente, drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water for later if needed.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Marinara Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir the sauce occasionally, letting it cook for 5-7 minutes, so the flavors meld together. If you’d like a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a bit longer.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken

1. Mix the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the marinara sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Add a little pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
2. Add the Chicken: Add the cooked and sliced chicken cutlets into the pasta mixture, stirring gently to combine. This allows the crispy chicken to mix in with the sauce and pasta, giving it that delicious Chicken Parm experience.

Step 5: Add Cheese

1. Cheese It Up: Sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella over the pasta and chicken mixture. Stir to evenly distribute the cheese. Once the cheese has melted and is well incorporated, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve: Plate the Chicken Parm Pasta onto serving dishes and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for added flavor and color. If desired, top with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately.

Advanced Techniques

While this dish is simple to make, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to take your Chicken Parm Pasta to the next level.

• Make Your Own Marinara Sauce: While store-bought marinara is quick and convenient, making your own sauce can elevate this dish. Homemade marinara is fresh and can be customized with your favorite herbs. Check out this recipe for a classic homemade marinara sauce.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella: For a creamier texture, opt for fresh mozzarella instead of shredded cheese. It melts beautifully and gives a rich, luxurious taste.
• Herb Infusion: To bring out extra flavor, infuse the olive oil with garlic and fresh herbs before sautéing the onion. This will give the base of your sauce a deeper, more aromatic flavor.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Leftover Chicken Parm Pasta can be stored and enjoyed later. Here’s how you can preserve the dish:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you’d like to freeze your Chicken Parm Pasta, make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, until heated through.

To maintain its quality, always store the sauce and pasta separately, as pasta tends to absorb the sauce over time, becoming softer and mushy upon reheating.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This recipe can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and needs:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta (like brown rice or corn-based pasta) to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure that your marinara sauce is free from gluten additives.
• Dairy-Free: To make the dish dairy-free, swap out the mozzarella and Parmesan for dairy-free cheese options. Many brands offer excellent substitutes for traditional cheeses.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Opt for low-carb pasta alternatives such as zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to reduce the carbohydrate content of this dish.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe? Yes! You can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. The key is to choose pasta that will hold the sauce well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the dish when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use fresh chicken breasts instead of frozen breaded cutlets? Absolutely! If you prefer fresh chicken, simply bread and cook the chicken breasts in the same way as the frozen cutlets before slicing and adding them to the pasta.

How can I make this dish spicier? To add heat to the dish, try incorporating red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce or use a spicy marinara sauce. You could also top the dish with a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parm Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy. By combining the crispy crunch of chicken cutlets with the creamy richness of marinara sauce and cheese, it brings all the best elements of Chicken Parmesan into one easy-to-make pasta dish. With a few tips and tricks, you can take it to the next level, ensuring your meal is as delicious as possible.