I make this when the day runs long and dinner needs a win. Chicken Pasta Recipes fit the bill with crisp edges, soft noodles, and a cheesy pull that makes us grin. Baked Chicken meets Boneless Chicken Breast Recipes and Baked Pasta Recipes. Think cozy, not fussy. Alfredo Pasta Recipes vibes join Baked Chicken Tenderloins and Air fryer recipes chicken for a fast finish and clean plates.
Table of Contents
- 1 Key Takeaways
- 2 Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe
- 3 Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
- 4 How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
- 5 Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
- 6 Making Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake Ahead of Time
- 7 Storing Leftover Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
- 8 Try these Main Course next
- 9 Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
- 10 Nutrition
1 Key Takeaways
I cook for real life and I write for Lila Cooks at https://www.lilacooks.com. This chicken brings comfort and speed. We keep the breading light. We keep the sauce rich. We call it weeknight joy with crisp edges and a cozy middle.
Chicken Pasta Recipes shine here. Chicken Pasta Recipes also guide the flow for timing and texture. Pasta hits al dente. Chicken stays juicy. Cheese melts into a blanket you want to pull over your plate.
We bake once and eat well. The dish travels to potlucks without fuss. Kids nod. Grownups go for seconds. I do not blame them. I go for seconds too.
2 Easy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe
I built this so dinner feels doable even on a long day. The method stays simple and the win rate stays high. Think crunchy bites of chicken on soft noodles with a creamy red sauce. The kind of plate that makes a table quiet for a minute.
We keep prep in two bowls. We bread quick and cook quick. The oven does the last part while you set the table or tell a story from your day. I swear those five quiet minutes before dinner feel like found time.
For search and clarity I use three close terms that match how people talk about this dish. You will see chicken pasta dinners. You will see creamy chicken pasta meals. You will see simple chicken pasta bake. All land on the same happy bite.
3 Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
Boneless skinless chicken breasts I slice into tender size pieces so the coating stays crisp and the meat cooks fast without drying. Small pieces also make serving easy. No one needs a steak knife at a Tuesday table.
Breadcrumbs I like plain or panko for crunch that holds sauce. The crumb soaks a touch of oil and turns golden. That color means flavor and that crunch stands up under mozzarella.
Parmesan cheese grated Nutty and salty and perfect for the crumb mix and the final sprinkle. Freshly grated works best. The fine shards melt into the crust and the top like snow that actually tastes great.
Eggs A quick dip makes the crumbs cling. I whisk with a pinch of salt. The egg sets in the pan and gives that light shell that keeps the chicken moist and tender.
Italian seasoning and garlic powder These two bring a warm aroma and a classic pizza parlor note. The kitchen smells like comfort. The flavor reads familiar yet fresh.
Salt and black pepper Simple seasoning that wakes up every bite. I season the crumb and I season the sauce. Balanced seasoning means balanced plates.
Penne or ziti Short tubes catch sauce and cheese. They stack well in the dish and scoop well on a weeknight. Any short pasta with ridges plays nice here.
Marinara sauce Use a jar you trust or your own batch from the freezer. Tomato brings brightness that keeps the dish from feeling heavy. I love that lift.
Heavy cream Just a splash turns the sauce silky and nods to Alfredo Pasta Recipes without the extra steps. The blend hugs the pasta and carries the cheese.
Mozzarella shredded Stretchy gooey melt that makes the fork twirl fun. A mix of low moisture and a little fresh mozzarella gives the best pull.
Fresh basil A few leaves sliced thin wake the top with color and a fresh pop. That herb note signals done right now and eat while warm.
4 How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
Step 1 Heat the oven to 400 F. Grease a baking dish. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta to shy of al dente and drain. This gives room for the oven finish.
Step 2 Mix crumbs parmesan garlic powder Italian seasoning salt and pepper. Beat eggs in a second bowl. Dip chicken in egg then crumbs. Press to coat for good crunch.
Step 3 Pan cook in a thin film of oil until golden and cooked through. Or air fry at 390 F for about ten minutes turning once. Either path gives crisp bites fast and tidy.
Step 4 Warm marinara with a small splash of cream. Stir until silky and bright. Toss pasta with part of the sauce then layer into the dish with chicken and the rest of the sauce.
Step 5 Scatter mozzarella and a little parmesan. Bake until the cheese melts and the edges bubble. Rest for five minutes. Top with basil and serve with a grin.
5 Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
Use thin chicken pieces for speed and tenderness. Thick pieces take longer and risk dry bites. Thin cuts cook even and stay juicy under sauce and cheese.
Season the pasta water well. That early seasoning builds flavor inside the noodle. Later seasoning then works like polish not rescue.
If time runs tight use rotisserie chicken. Skip breading and still get dinner that satisfies. The sauce and cheese do friendly work and the table still smiles.
6 Making Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake Ahead of Time
I prep the chicken and freeze it on a sheet so pieces do not stick. Bags stack flat and future me says thanks. Baked from frozen in the oven works well for texture.
Assemble the pasta and sauce in the dish and hold the cheese in a bag. Cover and chill up to one day. Add cheese right before baking for the best melt.
For meal plans this sits next to a green salad or a sheet of garlic bread. The pair turns this into a clear win for busy nights and calm weekends too.
7 Storing Leftover Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
Cool leftovers then pack in airtight containers. The pasta stays happy in the fridge for three days. Reheat covered until the cheese loosens again.
For the freezer wrap the dish well and label the date. Thaw in the fridge then warm in the oven. A small splash of water in the corner brings steam and a soft finish.
Leftover chicken also makes a great sub. Tuck into a toasted roll with warm sauce and a ribbon of mozzarella. Lunch wins with almost no work.
8 Try these Main Course next
9 Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake Chicken Pasta Recipes
Ingredients
For The Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into tender size pieces
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs or panko
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs lightly whisked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for the pan or use an air fryer
For The Pasta And Sauce
- 12 ounces short pasta penne or ziti
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream for a light Alfredo feel
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan more for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional
Topping
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Prep And Pasta
- Heat oven to 400 F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta to shy of al dente 1 to 2 minutes less than box suggests. Drain and set aside.
Bread And Cook The Chicken
- Stir breadcrumbs parmesan garlic powder Italian seasoning salt and pepper in one bowl. Place eggs in a second bowl.
- Dip chicken pieces in egg then in crumbs. Press to coat.
- For skillet use heat olive oil over medium. Cook chicken in batches 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- For air fryer use spray basket place chicken in a single layer cook at 390 F for 8 to 10 minutes turning once until golden and done.
Build And Bake
- Warm olive oil and garlic in a saucepan until fragrant. Stir in marinara cream and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt.
- Toss cooked pasta with half the sauce. Fold in half the mozzarella and half the parmesan.
- Spread pasta in baking dish. Nestle cooked chicken on top. Spoon over the rest of the sauce. Scatter remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
- Mix topping breadcrumbs parmesan and olive oil. Sprinkle over the dish.
- Bake 15 to 18 minutes until cheese melts and edges bubble. Rest 5 minutes. Finish with basil and serve.
10 Nutrition
One plate lands around 585 calories with a friendly balance of protein carbs and fat. Protein sits near 35 grams and helps dinner feel steady.
Sodium can swing with jarred sauce. If you watch levels pick a low sodium marinara and season at the end. Flavor stays big and numbers stay calm.
For lighter days use part skim mozzarella and less cream. The dish still reads as comfort. The fork still finds that stretchy cheese pull.
Leave a Comment