Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Busy weeknight? Need something comforting, cheesy, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table? This Chicken Parmesan Pasta is your new go-to. It’s a simple, one-pot wonder that brings all the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan—tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan—together with perfectly cooked rigatoni. The best part? In about 30 minutes, dinner is ready, and there’s just one pot to clean. This dish combines the joy of an Italian favorite with the ease and speed we all crave on hectic days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

• Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and building flavor right from the start.
• Chicken Breasts: Diced into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and tender results.
• Italian Seasoning: The classic blend adds instant Italian vibes, making it taste like restaurant-quality.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Salt: A flavor-loaded trio that seasons the chicken beautifully and adds savory depth.
• Yellow Onion: Finely minced to almost melt into the sauce, lending sweetness and body.
• Garlic Paste: Provides deep, true garlic flavor with zero effort—no peeling or chopping needed!
• Rigatoni Pasta: A sturdy, tube-shaped pasta perfect for catching every bit of sauce and cheese.
• Jarred Pasta Sauce: Ragu Old World Traditional gives you robust tomato flavor without simmering all day.
• Chicken Stock: Adds richness and helps cook the pasta to perfect al dente right in the pot.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For gooey, stretchy goodness, both mixed in and melted over the top.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty, and totally essential for true Chicken Parmesan flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: For dialing in the seasoning just right.
• Fresh Parsley: A splash of color and a hint of freshness to finish it all off.

Tip: If you don’t have garlic paste, finely mince fresh garlic! Rely on what you have.

Variations

Customizing this Chicken Parmesan Pasta is half the fun. Try these twists:

• Protein Swap: Sub in diced turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even Italian sausage for an equally tasty dish.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in baby spinach, chopped roasted red peppers, or mushrooms to pack in extra nutrition.
• Change the Cheese: Mix in provolone or fontina with the mozzarella for different melty flavors.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—just watch the cooking time, as it can vary.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onion for a gentle heat.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Here’s how you transform simple ingredients into a weeknight masterpiece:

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil over medium in a large pot or Dutch oven. Toss in the diced chicken and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic salt. Stir well, and cook until the chicken is just about cooked through—it’ll finish in the sauce later.

Step 2: Build More Flavor

Add the finely minced onion and garlic paste right into the pot. Let everything cook together for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, fragrant, and translucent.

Step 3: Make It Saucy and Add Pasta

Pour in the jarred pasta sauce and chicken stock, then add the rigatoni. Give it all a gentle stir, making sure the pasta is well submerged. Bring just to a simmer, then cover and let it cook on low for 12 to 14 minutes. The pasta cooks right in those flavorful liquids, soaking up every bit of goodness.

Step 4: Add the Cheese (the Best Part!)

Once the pasta is just tender, stir in about half of the mozzarella. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan evenly on top, cover, and let it sit for a couple of minutes until everything is melted and glorious.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few cracks of black pepper. Serve up bowls of cheesiness right from the pot!

How to Serve

There’s no wrong way to enjoy this pasta, but here are a few ideas:

Just as It Is

Honestly, a steaming bowl of this chicken Parmesan pasta is a meal in itself.

Add a Side

Serve with ultra-garlicky bread, a simple green salad tossed with Italian dressing, or roasted vegetables for a fresh crunch.

Extra Toppings

If you love a little more zip, add chopped basil, more Parmesan, or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving.

Tip: If you have leftovers, stuff some into a hollowed-out baguette for a super-indulgent sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers quickly and stash them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Want to freeze it? No problem. Portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers (or bags) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—the pasta might soften a bit, but the flavor stays on point.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken stock and gently warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each. This helps revive the sauce and keeps the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate solution for those nights when you want maximum comfort and flavor with minimum work. Every bite is cheesy, saucy, and packed with that Italian-inspired goodness everyone craves. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is, and it’s sure to become a regular at your table. Happy cooking!

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