Pin A comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta bake featuring tender chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and a golden, cheesy topping.
I first baked this chicken parmesan pasta for a Sunday dinner, and it was an instant hit. The contrast of the gooey cheese with the crunchy golden topping makes it truly irresistible.
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 & 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 4–5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a board, cool slightly, and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Pasta & Sauce:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced chicken, marinara sauce, garlic, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Mix well.
- Assemble:
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, then top with breadcrumbs.
- Top & Bake:
- Lightly spray the top with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired.
Pin Making this dish has become a family tradition, especially on chilly evenings when everyone gathers around the table with second helpings in mind.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting pasta bake with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Ingredient Swaps
You can substitute cooked breaded chicken cutlets for an authentic Chicken Parmesan touch, or use whole wheat or lentil pasta for extra nutrition.
Wine Pairing
This dish pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
Pin This easy pasta bake will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the cheesy goodness at your next family dinner!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different pasta types?
Yes, penne or rigatoni are recommended but you can substitute with other short pasta varieties for similar texture.
- → How do I ensure the chicken remains juicy?
Cook the chicken breasts over medium-high heat until golden and just cooked through, then dice before mixing to keep moisture.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs as direct substitutes while keeping the flavors intact.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor best?
Italian seasoning, fresh basil, and parsley add depth and freshness to balance the richness of cheese and tomato sauce.
- → Is it possible to prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking; add a few extra minutes to baking time when chilled.
- → How do I get a crispy topping?
Sprinkle Italian-style breadcrumbs mixed with remaining cheeses on top and spray lightly with olive oil before baking until golden.