Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: chicken parmesan pasta! This dish is a beautiful marriage of tender, juicy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and a shower of gooey, melted cheese that just makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma wafting through my kitchen was simply irresistible, and I couldn’t wait to dig in! It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. You’ve got that satisfying bite of pasta, the savory goodness of chicken, and a cheesy topping that’s just heavenly. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (any shape you love!)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite jarred kind)
- 1 cup cooked, diced chicken (perfect for using up leftovers!)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (the more, the merrier!)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for that extra cheesy goodness)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (it really ties everything together)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making this chicken parmesan pasta! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easily it comes together.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is essential for getting that cheesy topping bubbly and golden. Don’t skip this step—trust me, it makes all the difference for even cooking!
Sauté the Chicken
Now, grab a skillet and heat up a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in your diced chicken along with that tasty Italian seasoning. Sauté it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s heated through and fragrant. The aroma will be amazing, I promise! This step really brings out the flavors.
Combine Ingredients
In a large baking dish, combine your cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and sautéed chicken. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is evenly distributed. You want every bite to be filled with that delicious sauce and chicken goodness!
Add Cheese and Bake
Now for the best part—top your pasta mixture with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Pile it on because who doesn’t love extra cheese? Once that’s done, pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and has that beautiful golden color. Get ready to dig in!
Tips for Success
- Add garlic: For an extra flavor boost, sauté some minced garlic with the chicken. It adds a wonderful depth to the dish!
- Pasta varieties: You can use any pasta you like! Penne, rotini, or even gluten-free options work beautifully.
- Cheese choices: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Adding provolone or even a sprinkle of feta can give it a unique twist.
- Herbs and spices: Fresh basil or parsley makes a lovely garnish and adds a pop of color and flavor right before serving.
- Make it saucy: If you like it saucy, don’t hesitate to add a little more marinara for a luscious finish.
- Leftover magic: This dish is great for using up leftover chicken or even veggies—just toss them in for a hearty meal!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, keep in mind that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect in one serving of this delicious chicken parmesan pasta:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
This dish is not only satisfying but also packed with protein to keep you fueled and happy!
FAQ Section
Can I make chicken parmesan pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! I love making this dish in advance. You can prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it into the oven to bake. If you want, you can even freeze it! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual. It’s such a lifesaver for busy nights!
What type of pasta can I use?
You’ve got options! This chicken parmesan pasta is super versatile, so you can use any pasta shape you love. Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti work wonderfully. I like to go for something that can hold onto the sauce, so those shapes are ideal! And if you’re gluten-free, no worries at all—just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go!
Can I use leftover chicken?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This chicken parmesan pasta comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously Satisfying: With tender chicken, rich marinara, and cheesy goodness, every bite is a flavor explosion that’s sure to please!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will gobble this up! It’s a meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
- Versatile: You can mix it up with different pasta types and cheeses, or even toss in veggies to suit your family’s tastes!
- Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next day without losing any flavor!
- Comfort Food Classic: There’s something so comforting about a cheesy pasta bake that warms your heart and fills your belly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve devoured your delicious chicken parmesan pasta, you might be wondering how to store those tasty leftovers! To keep them fresh, transfer any uneaten pasta into an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down a bit before sealing it up!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the pasta to a baking dish. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you want to crisp up the cheese a bit, remove the foil in the last few minutes to let that cheesy top get bubbly again. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick fix—just add a splash of water to keep it moist, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy every cheesy bite again!
Z nadrukami
Chicken Parmesan Pasta: 7 Irresistible Comfort Delights
- Całkowity Czas: 40 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A delicious chicken parmesan pasta dish that combines tender chicken, marinara sauce, and cheesy goodness.
Składniki
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup cooked, diced chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and Italian seasoning; sauté until heated through.
- In a baking dish, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and chicken.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Uwagi
- For extra flavor, add garlic to the skillet.
- You can substitute any pasta of your choice.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 6g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 55g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: chicken parmesan pasta, Italian chicken dish, baked pasta
