Baked Chicken Parmesan Pasta

A comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta bake featuring tender chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and a golden, cheesy topping.

This baked chicken parmesan pasta quickly became a weeknight favorite in our home. The combination of cheesy, saucy comfort and crisp topping is irresistible, and everyone asks for seconds!

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

Prepare oven and 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 chicken:

While pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Cook chicken:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle a little olive oil and cook chicken breasts 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a board, cool slightly, and dice into bite-sized pieces.

Combine ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced chicken, marinara sauce, garlic, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Mix well.

Assemble in pan:

Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, then top with breadcrumbs.

Top and bake:

Lightly spray the top with olive oil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden brown.

Finish and serve:

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired.

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This recipe comes together effortlessly and is always met with smiles—especially when everyone gathers at the table to enjoy that first cheesy bite together.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal. It also tastes great with a glass of Chianti or another medium-bodied red wine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Bake the pasta up to two days ahead and store, covered, in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven covered with foil until hot, then uncover to crisp the top again.

Variations

Try using cooked breaded chicken cutlets for extra crunch, add red pepper flakes for heat, or swap in your preferred pasta shape or cheese blend.

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Enjoy this ultimate comfort food with your loved ones—it's a delicious way to bring everyone together. Leftovers taste just as amazing the next day!

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What pasta types work best for this dish?

Penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well and provide a hearty texture that complements the chicken and cheese layers.

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Season the chicken breasts and cook just until golden and cooked through to keep them juicy before combining with the pasta.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular pasta and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary needs.

→ What is the purpose of the breadcrumb topping?

Breadcrumbs add a crunchy golden crust that contrasts the creamy, cheesy layers underneath.

→ How can I add extra flavor to the sauce?

A pinch of red pepper flakes added to the tomato sauce brings a gentle heat and depth to the flavor.