Save A comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta bake featuring tender chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and a golden, cheesy topping.
Baked Chicken Parmesan Pasta is my go-to when I want something cozy but easy enough for a weeknight. Family and friends always ask for seconds, and I love that it’s simple to prepare even for a group.
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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
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Instructions
- Prepare Oven & Baking Dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 22x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
- Season & Cook Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and just done. Cool slightly, then dice.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced chicken, marinara sauce, garlic, half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Mix well.
- Assemble & Top:
- Spread mixture in baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheeses on top, then breadcrumbs. Lightly spray with olive oil.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with basil or parsley if using and serve.
Save This is a dish my kids request on chilly evenings, and sometimes we get everyone involved layering the pasta and cheese. It always brings happy chatter to the dinner table and leftovers disappear by lunchtime.
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Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, baking dish (22x33 cm / 9x13 inch), mixing bowl, knife and cutting board.
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (pasta, breadcrumbs), Milk (cheese), Eggs (may be present in some breadcrumbs). Always check product labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 530, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 54 g, Protein 37 g.
Save 
This pasta bake is sure to satisfy hungry appetites and makes a great addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Garnish with fresh herbs for a restaurant-style finish.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta just shy of al dente—about 2 minutes less than package instructions—to ensure it holds texture during baking.
- → Can I use another type of chicken cut for this dish?
Yes, cooked breaded chicken cutlets can be substituted for bite-sized chicken pieces to add a classic twist.
- → What cheeses work best for topping?
Mozzarella and Parmesan create a creamy, golden topping; you can adjust amounts based on your preference for meltiness and flavor.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing texture.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the sauce?
A pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce adds subtle heat and enhances its richness.
