Name: Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 10.5 oz pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 20 g unsalted butter; 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped; ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 ½ cup tomato sauce (passata); 1 cup half and half (single cream); ½ cup Parmesan, grated; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 3 reviews

If you’re anything like me and crave that comforting Italian-American flavor but want something quicker and less messy than the classic breaded chicken version, you’ll absolutely love this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe. It merges everything you adore about chicken parm—the cheesy, tomatoey goodness—with tender pasta in one cozy, weeknight-friendly dish. Ready for a recipe that’s just as satisfying but way easier to pull together? Let’s dive in!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple One-Pot Magic: Cooking the chicken and sauce in one pan lets flavors meld perfectly without extra cleanup.
Creamy Yet Light: Using half and half creates a creamy sauce that’s not as heavy as a full cream approach.
Pasta Perfectly Coated: Adding reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling beautifully to each noodle.
Totally Customizable: From spice level to cheese types, this recipe is super flexible to suit your cravings.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta, easy chicken pasta dinner, cheesy Italian pasta, quick weeknight chicken recipe, one-pot chicken pasta - A white shallow round bowl is filled with one layer of penne pasta mixed with bite-sized pieces of light brown chicken, all coated in a creamy orange sauce. Green parsley leaves are scattered on top along with small sprinkles of grated white cheese. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a metal grater and a block of cheese blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start chopping and stirring, let me tell you why these ingredients make this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe feel so balanced and comforting. Each element contributes flavor depth or texture, putting together a dish that’s equal parts juicy, cheesy, and saucy with just a hint of spice.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta, easy chicken pasta dinner, cheesy Italian pasta, quick weeknight chicken recipe, one-pot chicken pasta - Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked pasta, a few pieces of raw chicken breast cut into bite-sized chunks, a small diced onion, two peeled garlic cloves, a small bowl of bright red tomato sauce, a half-filled glass of creamy white half and half, a small pile of grated Parmesan cheese, a few scattered fresh parsley leaves, a small dish with red chili flakes and Italian seasoning, a drizzle of olive oil and a small pat of butter placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Pasta: I prefer a sturdy shape like penne or rigatoni so the sauce has plenty to cling to, but feel free to use whatever you like.
Olive oil and unsalted butter: The combo adds richness with just a touch of fruitiness from the oil and creaminess from the butter.
Chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, it cooks quickly and stays tender without needing to be pounded thin.
Onion and garlic: The flavor base of many great sauces; finely diced ensures they melt into the sauce seamlessly.
Red chili flakes: Just a pinch wakes up the dish without making it too spicy—adjust to suit your heat tolerance.
Italian seasoning: Adds that familiar herby punch without needing to blend multiple herbs yourself.
Tomato sauce (passata): Smooth and fresh, it keeps the sauce vibrant and natural without chunkiness.
Half and half: Gives the sauce a luscious creaminess that’s lighter than heavy cream but still decadent.
Parmesan cheese: The salty, nutty finish elevates the sauce and gives that signature Chicken Parmesan punch.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness at the end.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all those flavors just right.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

The beauty of this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over the years, I’ve played around with the spice levels, cheese blends, and even swapped proteins — and each tweak brings something new to the table. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Variation: I often toss in mushrooms or spinach to sneak in extra veggies—adds texture and freshness without changing the core flavors.
Dietary Modifications: For a lighter or dairy-free version, try substituting half and half for coconut cream and Parmesan with a nutritional yeast sprinkle.
Seasonal Touch: When fresh tomatoes are in season, swapping passata for a quick homemade tomato sauce ups the freshness factor big time.
Make It Heartier: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or even some crispy bacon bits for a smoky twist that takes this up a notch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a roar, then add your pasta and cook it just shy of al dente (follow the package instructions). Don’t forget to scoop out 1 to 2 cups of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s pure sauce magic later on! Trust me, reserving that water is the secret to getting the texture just right.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

While your pasta bubbles, heat olive oil and butter in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces, spreading them out so they brown nicely, about 5-6 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden crust here—don’t rush this step! Browning amps up flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 3: Build Your Sauce

Stir in your finely diced onion, garlic, and a pinch of red chili flakes. Let those cook down for 2 minutes, stirring now and then, until the onion softens. Then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and pour in the tomato passata. Stir, then gently add the half and half. Lower your heat and let the sauce bubble lightly for 2-3 minutes—it should thicken slightly but stay silky.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now for the fun part: toss in your cooked pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Stir everything together, adding a splash of that reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce hugs each noodle perfectly. Finally, scatter fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best gooey, comforting experience!

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Browning until golden but still juicy makes the chicken tender and flavorful without drying it out.
Save Pasta Water: It’s full of starch that helps thicken your sauce naturally and lets it cling to the pasta beautifully.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate it just before adding so its full flavor enhances the sauce and melts smoothly.
Adjust Spice Gradually: Add chili flakes little by little—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Pasta, easy chicken pasta dinner, cheesy Italian pasta, quick weeknight chicken recipe, one-pot chicken pasta - The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy orange pasta with short tube shapes mixed with small chunks of chicken, both coated in a smooth, rich sauce. The dish is sprinkled with small bits of green herbs and tiny white shreds of cheese on top, adding color contrast and texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some raw tube-shaped pasta scattered around it, and a metal grater with a beige handle is slightly visible in the background. The lighting highlights the creamy texture of the sauce and makes the herbs look fresh.photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top this pasta with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley for color and a little more freshly ground black pepper for a subtle kick. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving for that silky finish. If you’re feeling fancy, some torn basil leaves work beautifully too.

Side Dishes

Since this is quite a filling dish, I like to keep sides light and simple: a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser if you want to indulge a little more.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I sometimes serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a meatball or two on the side, sprinkled with grated Parmesan and a basil leaf. It’s a small detail that makes it feel festive and extra inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays delicious for 2-3 days. The pasta can absorb a bit of sauce as it sits, so before reheating, stirring in a splash of water or cream helps revive the texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe a couple of times with good results. I recommend freezing without fresh parsley and cheese, adding those fresh when reheating. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream, milk, or water to loosen the sauce. Cover the pan to keep it moist. Microwave works in a pinch but stirring halfway through helps even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta type for the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni hold the sauce nicely, you can use spaghetti, fusilli, or even bigger shapes like farfalle. Just adjust cooking time accordingly and reserve pasta water for best sauce texture.
Is it possible to make this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with hearty veggies like mushrooms, eggplant, or even crispy tofu. The sauce shines on its own and the cream and cheese add plenty of richness.
What can I substitute for half and half in the sauce?

If you don’t have half and half, you can mix equal parts milk and cream or use whole milk with a bit of butter melted in. For dairy-free options, coconut milk or cashew cream works well to keep the sauce creamy.
How do I keep the chicken tender in this recipe?

Cutting chicken into small, even pieces and browning it quickly on medium heat keeps it juicy. Avoid overcooking during the sauce step by finishing the cooking gently once sauce is added.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is one of my go-to comfort dinners when I want big flavors without fussing over multiple components. It’s fast, forgiving, and always hits that cheesy, saucy spot that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—don’t forget to personalize it and make it your own! Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to be a regular in your recipe rotation.