Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe

Ingredients

Before we jump into the step-by-step cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients that will make your Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake sing. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already!

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 large eggs (for egg wash)
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best)
• Salt (for pasta water)

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake

Let’s dive into the cooking process! This dish might sound complicated, but don’t worry—it’s actually super simple and fun to prepare. You’ll have a piping hot, cheesy chicken parmesan pasta bake in no time.

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken. To create that crispy, golden coating, you’ll need a three-step dredging station. First, season your flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt.

Now, take each chicken breast and dredge it first in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat for all the chicken breasts.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage since it will finish cooking in the oven, but the crispy crust is crucial for that perfect texture. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to cool slightly. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now, grab a large mixing bowl. Toss the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.

Next, add the sliced chicken pieces into the mix. Stir everything gently to combine, ensuring the chicken and pasta are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray. Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan over the top. Don’t be shy with the cheese—it’s the star of the show!

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot. Your Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake is now ready to enjoy!