Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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Chicken Parmesan Pasta is our favorite one-pan pasta recipe. An easy and delicious dinner with just a few ingredients? What could be better? This Chicken Pasta Skillet is our go-to easy dinner recipe anytime we are craving comfort food.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

Why We Love This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

  • Easy. Count ’em– you’re just 6 ingredients away from a delicious dinner! Plus a bit of salt and pepper for seasoning, and some (optional) basil for garnish.
  • Cheesy. Parmesan and mozzarella cheese make this dish gooey, creamy, and cheesy.
  • Delicious. If you love classic chicken parmesan, this easy weeknight meal is sure to be a hit!

Variations on Chicken Parmesan with Pasta

This recipe is so easily adaptable. No Italian dressing? Mix some Italian seasoning into a tablespoon each of oil and vinegar. For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for some diced eggplant!

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How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover chicken parmesan pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze chicken parmesan pasta in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

I love that you don’t even need a side dish with this delicious one-pan chicken parm recipe. I usually just serve it with some crusty garlic bread and call it a day. Oh and some wine— can’t forget the wine! Wine and pasta is a great combo for making dinner at home feel like a special occasion.

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More Chicken Parmesan Recipes To Try

  • Classic Chicken Parmesan
  • Baked Chicken Parmesan
  • Chicken Parmesan Casserole
  • Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
  • Crispy Chicken Parmesan
  • Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
  • Chicken Parmesan Soup
  • Chicken Parmesan Sliders

5-Star Review

This is one of my family’s favorite go to meals. Which is a win for me because of how simple & fast it is! – Abby

Recipe

One Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

4.10 from 332 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 25 minutes minutes

Total: 30 minutes minutes

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (6)

Serves8

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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe uses only 6 ingredients and made in ONE PAN! This is our go-to easy dinner recipe anytime we are craving comfort food. A delicious chicken and pasta recipe everyone in the family will love! Skillet Chicken Parmesan for the win!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

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Ingredients

  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons Italian dressing (not the creamy kind)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 16 ounces dry rigatoni pasta (1 box)
  • 24 ounces Marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Chopped fresh basil optional, for garnish

Recommended Equipment

Instructions

  • Heat the chicken and Italian dressing in a 12-inch cast iron skillet set over medium high heat (If you don't own a large skillet, you can use a stock pot). Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste.

    3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons Italian dressing, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

    Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (8)

  • Cook chicken until browned and just cooked through, about 5 minutes depending on thickness of chicken.

    Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

  • Add the box of pasta and the entire jar of marinara. Fill the empty marinara jar with water and add to the skillet. If using a stockpot, use 2 cups water. Lightly stir the mixture to combine.

    16 ounces dry rigatoni pasta, 24 ounces Marinara sauce

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  • Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender to your liking (see note).

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  • Cover with grated Parmesan and then shredded mozzarella. No need to stir. Continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes or until cheese is fully melted. You can also broil the entire skillet for about 4 minutes to make the cheese extra melty!

    ½ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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  • Top with chopped basil (optional) and serve! Enjoy!

    Chopped fresh basil

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Note: The pasta in the middle of the skillet and underneath will be more tender than the outside pasta. It’s okay if those pieces are a bit toastier and less soft. The inside will be plenty soft.
  • If you prefer, you could make this dish with other types of pasta; penne would be great in this dish!
  • If you don’t have a large skillet, use a stock pot instead.
  • Properly cooked chicken should register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
  • To make the top layer of cheese extra melty (yum!) just pop the skillet under the broiler for 3-4 minutes.

Storage:Store chicken parmesan pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 387kcal (19%) Carbohydrates: 48g (16%) Protein: 31g (62%) Fat: 7g (11%) Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Trans Fat: 0.01g Cholesterol: 68mg (23%) Sodium: 1133mg (49%) Potassium: 726mg (21%) Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugar: 5g (6%) Vitamin A: 497IU (10%) Vitamin C: 7mg (8%) Calcium: 120mg (12%) Iron: 2mg (11%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (13)

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (14)

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How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Step by Step

Season the Chicken: Heat 3 cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts and 2 tablespoons of Italian dressing in a 12-inch cast iron skillet set over medium-high heat. Season chicken with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.

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Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken until browned and just cooked through, about 5 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken.

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Add the Pasta: Add 16 ounces (1 box) of rigatoni and a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce to the pan. Fill the empty marinara jar with water and add to the skillet. If using a stockpot, use 2 cups water. Lightly stir the mixture to combine.

Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender to your liking.

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Add the Cheese: Cover with ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan and then ½ cup of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese. No need to stir. Continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes or until cheese is fully melted. You can also broil the entire skillet for about 4 minutes to make the cheese extra melty! Top with chopped basil (optional) and serve!

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What’s the difference between chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana?

There is no difference– they’re different names for the exact same thing!

Why is it called chicken parm if it’s made with mozzarella?

The dish was named after the city of Parma in Italy, not the cheese!

Is chicken parmesan a real Italian dish?

Not really! It actually originated from Italian immigrants in the northeast U.S.

Can I make this in the oven instead?

Sure! Follow the recipe through step 4, placing the covered skillet in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes instead of letting it simmer on the stovetop. Add the cheese and return to the oven or place under the broiler to get it bubbly!

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Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (21)

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193 Comments

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Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (23)

Donna

Posted on 5/3/2023

I just made this it was really easy and very good. Next time I’ll add sausage maybe some broccoli.Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (24)

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (25)

Kathy

Posted on 6/28/2022

I added fresh spinach right before I added the cheeses. Also grilled my chicken for extra flavorChicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (26)

1

Reply

Samantha Marceau

Posted on 6/28/2022

Reply to Kathy

Looks delicious!!

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (29)

Dan

Posted on 5/10/2022

As a single working Dad, who hates fast food, I’m always looking for quick and delicious meals. This was a instant hit with my son and his buddies. I used Prego Definitely a keeper!Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (30)

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (31)

Becky Hardin

Posted on 5/16/2022

Reply to Dan

Thanks for sharing, Dan!

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (32)

jordi

Posted on 1/4/2022

Was I supposed to cook the pasta first then add to the pot?

1

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (33)

Becky Hardin

Posted on 1/5/2022

Reply to jordi

It cooks in the pot!

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (34)

Alicia

Posted on 12/20/2021

We love this meal and make it on the regular. Have you tried freezing it before? Thinking of taking it to a friend but need an option that can freeze if she doesn’t want it tonight.

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (35)

Becky Hardin

Posted on 12/22/2021

Reply to Alicia

I have not!

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (36)

Carol

Posted on 9/24/2021

Loved it. One of my go to chicken recipes. I use Paul Newman’s Sockoroni. Adds a little kick and some vegetables.Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (37)

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (38)

Becky Hardin

Posted on 9/29/2021

Reply to Carol

Sounds amazing, Carol!

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (39)

Marcie

Posted on 9/21/2021

Is there a way I could make this whole thing in the crockpot instead of a skillet? I’ve made it before but I’m not the best at making chicken. Thank you for your help!

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (40)

Becky Hardin

Posted on 9/22/2021

Reply to Marcie

I have not attempted that before!

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (41)

Ashley

Posted on 10/13/2021

Reply to Marcie

I’m trying to create it in the crockpot today. I can let you know how it turns out!

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (42)

Tracy

Posted on 3/17/2022

Reply to Ashley

Ashley….how did it turn out?

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (43)

Jill DeLong

Posted on 9/14/2021

My husband made this, everyone raved about ot!Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (44)

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (45)

Becky Hardin

Posted on 9/15/2021

Reply to Jill DeLong

Thanks for sharing, Jill!

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (46)

Amy

Posted on 8/27/2021

Delicious, easy, and the kids loved it! Used rotini noodles since that’s what I had and it turned out great!Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (47)

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (48)

Becky Hardin

Posted on 9/3/2021

Reply to Amy

Thanks for sharing, Amy!

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (49)

NickiDE

Posted on 8/1/2021

I love a one pot/pan dish, but this was a little bit bland for my crew. I used ziti noodles and still had to simmer an extra 10 minutes for them to be close to done. The “brown” on the chicken rubbed off as the dish cooked making that taste plain. I may try this again, but with breaded chicken nuggets rather than just plain chicken. Perhaps just microwave those as they are precooked, and fold them in at the end.Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (50)

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (51)

Becky Hardin

Posted on 8/4/2021

Reply to NickiDE

I am sorry to hear it didn’t quite work out!

Reply

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana? ›

Chicken Parmesan and chicken Parmigiana are just different names for the same exact recipe. And, with a name like “chicken Parmigiana”, you might assume that this recipe is Italian. While it has roots in Italy (in a way), chicken Parmesan is all-American.

What type of pasta to serve with chicken parmesan? ›

A thicker, stout pasta shape, like a ridged rigatoni, works well with chicken parmesan because it matches the heft and satisfying texture of the protein. The sauce is also able to cling to the ridges on the surface of the pasta and become a vehicle for aromatics, like crushed garlic and fresh herbs.

What is a good side with chicken parm? ›

Creamed Spinach: Creamed spinach is a rich and creamy side dish that complements the flavors of Chicken Parm beautifully. Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad has an amazing depth of flavor from all of the roasted veggies and great texture from the quinoa.

Why is it called chicken parmesan if it's made with mozzarella? ›

Some believe that it was created in Parma, hence the name. Others believe it comes from a Sicilian word that means slabs on a roof, referring to the thin slices of chicken covered in the sauce.

What is the fancy name for chicken parmesan? ›

Chicken parmesan or chicken parmigiana (Italian: pollo alla parmigiana) is a dish that consists of breaded chicken breast covered in tomato sauce and mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone.

Should you add Parmesan to pasta sauce while cooking? ›

With thicker, well-emulsified sauces, it's generally safe to add the cheese directly over the heat, but with a thinner sauce or one that doesn't have much besides the cheese, adding cheese while it's still on the burner can cause it to clump.

Do you put mozzarella or parmesan on pasta? ›

Use mozzarella because it melts beautifully, Parmesan for depth of flavor, and ricotta for some creaminess. It's adaptable.

Should I put Parmesan in my spaghetti sauce? ›

Hard Cheeses: A half cup of grated parmesan, pecorino, or other hard cheese adds a deep savory note to the sauce. Fresh Cheese: Try adding a scoop of ricotta, mascarpone, crème fraîche or even simple cream cheese!

What not to put with parmesan? ›

You see, in Italy, Parmesan cheese is reserved for pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces, cream sauces, and meat-based dishes. Adding Parmesan cheese to a seafood-based dish, like spaghetti with clams, is a big no-no. It's like adding ketchup to a steak or pineapple on a pizza – it just doesn't belong!

How many days is chicken parm good for? ›

If you don't want to freeze your chicken parmesan leftovers, they will last in the fridge for 3-5 days.

How many days is leftover chicken parm good for? ›

Leftovers: If it is fully prepared and cooked with the sauce and cheese on top, you can refrigerate it for about 3-5 days. In my house, we don't keep leftovers longer than a couple days. The chicken parmesan would probably store longer if you kept the sauce separate from the chicken breasts.

Is it OK to use mozzarella cheese instead of Parmesan? ›

Can I use mozzarella instead of parmesan in fettuccine? Yes! This is what this mozzarella alfredo sauce recipe helps you do. While it does change the flavor and bit of the texture, it's still got the same elements of the creamy comfort food you love.

Do they eat chicken parm in Italy? ›

Despite being a staple of Italian-American cuisine, “chicken parmesan” is nowhere to be found in Italy. Instead, Italians nosh on parmigiana – eggplant layered with tomato sauce and cheese.

What cheese is the same as Parmesan? ›

Pecorino Romano

This is the cheese that most people will reach for when Parmesan isn't in the cards. Pecorino's base flavor and texture are similar to Parmesan's, but it has a couple key differences. Pecorino is made from sheep's milk, which contains more fat than cow's milk.

Is parmigiana similar to parmesan? ›

The cheese we know as parmigiana—or parmesan—is named after the city of Parma in the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, where the delicate cheese was first produced. So, that would lead you to believe that it was named after the city of Parma.

Do Italians eat chicken parmigiana? ›

Despite being a staple of Italian-American cuisine, “chicken parmesan” is nowhere to be found in Italy. Instead, Italians nosh on parmigiana – eggplant layered with tomato sauce and cheese.

Why do Americans say parmigiana? ›

The common American pronunciation of “parmesan” as if it were spelled “parmigian” is due to the verbal influence of Italian immigrants; you'll similarly hear Americans pronounce “braciole” as “brashol/brazhol/brajol" and prosciutto as “proSHOOT/proZHOOT”, and “pasta fa*gioli” as “pasta faZOOL/pasta faZHOOL”, all also ...

What is the Italian name for chicken parmesan? ›

Pollo alla parmigiana in Italian, but affectionately referred by Aussies as Parma, Parmi or “a schnitty with tomato sauce and cheese”, you'll love this homemade recipe with extra crispy schnitzel, best ever parmigiana sauce and juicy marinated chicken. Abbreviate the name as much as you want.

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