Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: chicken parmesan pasta! It’s this heavenly combination of tender chicken, rich marinara, and gooey melted cheese all nestled in perfectly cooked pasta. When I whip this up, it feels like I’m bringing a little piece of Italy into my kitchen. The first time I made it, I was surprised by how simple it was, yet it tastes like a dish you’d find in a cozy restaurant. Trust me, the aroma that fills your home while it’s baking is enough to make your mouth water! If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only satisfying but also makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, this chicken parmesan pasta is the answer. Let’s dive right in!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked pasta (any shape you love, like penne or rotini)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (grilled or baked works great!)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade, your choice)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for that melty goodness)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (adds that delicious salty kick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the chicken)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (because it’s not Italian without it!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your chicken parmesan pasta to bake evenly and come out bubbly and golden.
While that’s heating up, grab a skillet and pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in your diced chicken. If it’s already cooked, just heat it through until it’s warm and inviting. This should take about 5 minutes.
Now, stir in that luscious marinara sauce and sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The flavors are coming together beautifully! Let this simmer for a couple of minutes, letting all those delicious aromas mingle.
Next, take your cooked pasta and combine it with the chicken and sauce mixture in the skillet. Give it a good stir to coat everything evenly. Now, transfer this delightful mix into a baking dish.
Here comes the best part! Top it off with the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. The more cheese, the better, right? Bake it in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is all bubbly and golden. Ooh, the anticipation! Let it cool for a few minutes, and then dig in! Enjoy your homemade chicken parmesan pasta—it’s absolutely worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, comforting flavors that remind you of your favorite Italian restaurant.
- Customizable with your favorite pasta shape and added veggies.
- Balanced meal with protein from chicken and carbs from pasta.
- Great for leftovers, making it a fantastic meal prep option!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your chicken parmesan pasta turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips:
- Cook the pasta al dente: You want it to be firm because it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Don’t skimp on seasoning: Salt and pepper can really elevate the dish, so taste as you go!
- Mix it up: Feel free to add sautéed veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese extravaganza: Go heavy on the cheese if you love that gooey, melty texture—who doesn’t?
- Let it rest: A few minutes cooling time after baking helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to switch up your chicken parmesan pasta! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping the marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce for a decadent twist. You can also mix in cooked spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor. Want to turn up the heat? Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick! For a lighter option, use zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta. And if you’re a cheese lover like me, experiment with different cheeses—asiago or provolone can add a delightful new dimension. Enjoy making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any delicious chicken parmesan pasta leftovers (which I hope you do!), storing them is super easy. Just transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the pasta in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it’s heated all the way through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of marinara sauce if it seems a bit dry. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in this delightful chicken parmesan pasta? Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But no matter the numbers, I promise you’ll be satisfied with every delicious bite of this comforting dish!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and cooked before adding it to the pasta. It’s a great way to save time!
What kind of pasta works best?
You can use any pasta shape you like! Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti all work wonderfully in this chicken parmesan pasta dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy a warm meal!
What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with any tomato-based sauce, or even a creamy Alfredo for a different twist on this chicken parmesan pasta.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta, and check your marinara sauce for any hidden gluten ingredients. It’s that easy!
Chicken Parmesan Pasta: 5 Steps to Pure Comfort
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A delicious chicken parmesan pasta dish with a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until heated through.
- Stir in marinara sauce and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer.
- Chicken can be grilled or baked beforehand.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 6g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: chicken parmesan pasta
