Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This dish is all about cozy Italian vibes and simple weekday cooking. Juicy chicken, soft penne, and plenty of gooey cheese all come together in just one pan with bold marinara sauce. You get classic comfort right at home, without the takeout bill or restaurant fuss—plus, it's super quick to throw together.

I whipped this up for my crew after one of those days that just wouldn’t quit. Garlic and herbs started sizzling, and suddenly everyone was drifting toward the kitchen asking when we could eat. There’s just something about tomato sauce and melted cheese that brings everyone to the table, no matter how tough the day was.

Irresistible Ingredients

• Mozzarella: For those epic cheese pulls you see all over social media. Use fresh if you want, but the standard stuff melts nicely too
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate it yourself for big flavor—pre-shredded just doesn’t hit the same and won’t melt as well
• Marinara Sauce: Go with a tasty store-bought jar or make your own with good tomatoes. The sauce needs to shine
• Penne Pasta: All those ridges and holes hold onto the sauce and cheesy bits so every bite is loaded
• Chicken Breasts: Slice them up nice and evenly so everything cooks at the same pace. Thicker pieces? Give ‘em a little butterfly chop

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Easy Instructions

Sauce Time:

Crank the heat so your pan is hot, then pour in your marinara

Let it bubble and cook down for a deeper flavor

Add pasta water bit by bit so it’s perfectly creamy

Chicken Steps:

Season those chicken chunks with salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper

Brown them all over in a piping hot skillet

Pull them out for a sec and toss them back in at the end

Pasta Moves:

Cook pasta super al dente, then drain but keep that pasta water handy

Salt your water well and get it boiling before tossing in the penne

Stop boiling just before fully done because it'll keep cooking in the sauce

Some of my favorite kitchen moments have come making this with my daughter. She’s the boss when it comes to cheese sprinkling and lights up the second the mozzarella starts to bubble. It’s been a great way to show her that you don’t need tricky steps or fancy shopping lists to make food everyone loves.

One-Pan Wonders

Honestly, there’s nothing like throwing everything into one pan and seeing it turn into something incredible. Each part shares its flavor—the chicken gets browned, the sauce soaks it all up, and the pasta takes on the best texture with a bit of starchy bite. You’ll get a dish you just can’t replicate by cooking them all apart.

Tasty Pairing Ideas

This meal loves a simple salad—just crisp greens with a splash of olive oil and lemon. Garlic bread is a must for grabbing the last of that sauce. If you’re into wine, pour a friendly Italian red like Chianti that goes down easy and lets the dish shine.

Creative Twists

Want to mix things up? Toss in mushrooms for earthy vibes or add spinach for some green. Try swapping in provolone or fontina for the cheese. When it’s summer, fresh cherry tomatoes and basil add a garden-fresh pop.

Leftover Game Strong

Pop extras in a sealed container and chill. The flavors get even punchier overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch is something to look forward to. To warm it up, a bit of water or marinara helps make it saucy again. A quick broil in the oven brings back that crispy cheese goodness up top.

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Each time this chicken parmesan pasta hits my table, I remember that the most memorable meals come from simple ingredients and honest cooking. The cheese strings out when you pull a forkful, and the sauce hugs every noodle. Better yet, seeing everyone dig in with huge smiles proves you really don’t need hard steps to enjoy the heck out of good food, whether you’re rushing or just hanging out at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why keep pasta water?

That starchy water makes the sauce creamy and stops it from getting too dry.

→ Can I swap pasta types?

Yep, just pick any short-shaped pasta for this.

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?

In the fridge for 3-4 days in a tight container or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What kind of marinara is best?

Go for a good-quality jar of your favorite marinara sauce.

→ Why cook pasta slightly firm?

It’ll keep cooking in the sauce, so it won’t go mushy.