Chicken Parmesan Pasta 

By Rena Awada | Updated On August 27, 2021

This simple and easy-to-make Chicken parmesan pasta recipe is so flavorful, loaded with protein, and the perfect weeknight chicken dinner recipe to serve the family. A one-pot meal option that’s ready in 30 minutes.

top view of chicken pasta in an orange skillet


This chicken pasta recipe is made with loads of chicken breast bites in a garlic and tomato base marinara sauce. Enjoy tender and juicy parmesan chicken with each bite and the while pasts dish is then topped with more shredded parmesan and served with fresh basil. This chicken parmesan pasta recipe is so perfect for the entire family to enjoy for dinner. They keep so well that leftovers can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed for days.

Why you will love this chicken pasta recipe

  • Filling: This chicken parmesan pasta has it all. Protein, fiber, and carbs. It is a complete meal that doesnt need any side dishes and it can keep you up for hours.
  • Tasty: The flavors of this chicken pasta will keep your taste buds satisfied and happy. Once you try this pasta recipe you will want to make it all the time.
  • Quick and Easy: Its really easy to make this chicken parmesan pasta recipe. Between cooking the pasta and chicken, to combining everything together you will have dinner ready in no time.
close up chicken parmesan pasta topped with shredded parmesan

Ingredients you will need

Below you will find the ingredients you will be needing to make this chicken parmesan pasta. The full measurements are listed further down below.

olive oil
boneless skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
shredded parmesan cheese
yellow onion
fresh garlic cloves
one jar marinara sauce
any short pasta of choice
fresh basil to garnish

ingredients to make the chicken parmesan pasta

How to make this chicken parmesan pasta recipe

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Season the chopped chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the pieces to the skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown. Add ⅓ cup of Parmesan cheese and cook for 1 minute more, or until the cheese is melted over the chicken. Set aside.

parmesan cheese being poured over cooked chicken bites

To the same preheated skillet, add the remaining oil, onion, and garlic. Cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the onion softens. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a pot with salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook following the package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain.

chicken bites over marinara sauce in a pan with a red spatula in it

Return the chicken to the sauce together with the pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss well to combine.

Serve immediately with remaining Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil.

cooked pasta poured in with chicken bites and marinara sauce in the skillet.

Recipe, notes, tips, and substitutes

  • Pasta: use any pasta of choice that suits your dietary needs. For healthier pasta options, use lentil or chickpea pasta.
  • Chicken: we always prefer chicken breast over chicken thighs since they are leaner. But if you prefer using boneless chicken thighs that’s fine.
  • Marinara sauce: you may use your favorite brand or make your own sauce at home. We have a homemade marinara sauce you can check out.
  • Parmesan cheese: Try shredding your own parmesan cheese for the best flavor possible. Store-bought is fine.
  • Oil: we used olive oil, but any oil of choice works.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in thr fridge for 4-5 days.
  • Don’t forget to reserve some of the pasta water
top view of chicken pasta in an orange skillet

frequently asked questions

Does chicken go with pasta?

Absolutely. Chicken works so well served with a pasta dish as an added protein to make it into a complete meal. Some may debate that pasta should be enjoyed plain on its own but adding some sort of protein to pasta has become the norm.

What can you season chicken with?

Depending on what you are making, the most common seasonings used on chicken are salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, basil, and/or thyme,

What protein can I add to pasta?

For this pasta dish, we added parmesan chicken. Pasta pairs well with any protein of choice. Chicken being the most popular form of protein added to a pasta recipe, you may add other proteins like shrimp, scallops, salmon, fillet/steak, and even tofu.

close up chicken bites with tomato based pasta

Other Pasta recipes you may like

top view of chicken pasta in an orange skillet

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top view of chicken pasta in an orange skillet

Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Simple and delicious pasta dish loaded with parmesan, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Diet: Low Fat
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 376kcal
Author: Rena

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Kosher salt and ground pepper to taste
  • 2/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion minced
  • 4-6 cloves garlic minced
  • 14 oz jar marinara sauce
  • 8 oz short dry pasta GF if needed
  • Fresh basil chopped to garnish

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season the chopped chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the pieces to the skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown.
  • Add ⅓ cup of Parmesan cheese and cook for 1 minute more, or until the cheese is melted over the chicken. Set aside.
  • To the same preheated skillet, add the remaining oil, onion, and garlic. Cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the onion softens. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, bring a pot with salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook following the package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
  • Return the chicken to the sauce together with the pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss well to combine.
  • Serve immediately with remaining Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil.

Notes

  • Pasta: use any pasta of choice that suits your dietary needs. For healthier pasta options, use lentil or chickpea pasta.
  • Chicken: we always prefer chicken breast over chicken thighs since they are leaner. But if you prefer using boneless chicken thighs that’s fine. 
  • Marinara sauce: you may use your favorite brand or make your own sauce at home. We have a homemade marinara sauce you can check out. 
  • Parmesan cheese: Try shredding your own parmesan cheese for the best flavor possible. Store-bought is fine. 
  • Oil: we used olive oil, but any oil of choice works.

Nutrition

Calories: 376kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 1733mg | Potassium: 759mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 993IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 242mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @HealthyFitnessMeals or tag #HealthyFitnessMeals!
chicken pasta meal in an orange skillet

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Comments

  1. Eislingh says

    Hey! Excited to try this recipe, 2/3 cups of Parmesan is like 260g in the UK. Is that right? I’d love to have that much cheese for that amount of calories, is that right?

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