Savory Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet Recipe for Dinner

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering cheesy chicken parmesan pasta skillet that combines crispy chicken and melted cheese in one delectable dish.

Tender chicken breasts coated in seasoned breadcrumbs create a golden, crunchy exterior that perfectly complements the rich tomato sauce.

Every bite delivers a symphony of flavors, blending Italian-inspired seasonings with creamy pasta and gooey mozzarella.

The skillet method ensures each ingredient melds together, creating a harmonious meal that’s both satisfying and impressive.

Home cooks can whip up this restaurant-quality dinner in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients from the pantry.

Layers of savory chicken, al dente pasta, and bubbling cheese promise a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 4

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet Must-Haves

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth, even heat distribution and prevents sticking in the skillet, select a high-quality extra virgin variety for richer flavor.

• Chicken Pieces: Serves as the main protein component, choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender and juicy results, trim excess fat before cooking.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Infuse layers of robust flavor into the chicken, use freshly ground black pepper and a well-balanced Italian herb mix for maximum taste complexity, adjust quantities based on personal preference.

What Tools Work Best for Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the entire dish, preferably with a thick bottom for even heat distribution.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring chicken and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet surface.
• Cutting board: Use for preparing and seasoning chicken pieces.
• Sharp knife: Needed to cut or trim chicken before cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Help accurately measure salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
• Tongs: Great for flipping and handling chicken during cooking.

Directions to Cook Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

• Fire Up the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface ready for delicious action.

• Season and Sear Chicken

Toss chicken pieces into the hot skillet, showering them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook while stirring occasionally until the meat turns golden brown and reaches perfect doneness.

• Rest the Protein

Transfer cooked chicken to a waiting plate, letting it take a quick breather while you prepare for the next phase of culinary magic.

• Build the Pasta Base

Drop pasta directly into the same skillet, allowing it to absorb all those incredible flavor-packed chicken drippings left behind.

• Create the Sauce

Pour marinara sauce over the pasta, stirring gently to coat every single noodle with rich, tangy goodness.

• Reunite the Ingredients

Slide the rested chicken back into the skillet, nestling the pieces among the saucy pasta.

• Melt and Finish

Sprinkle generous amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top, then cover briefly to let the cheese transform into a melty, golden blanket.

• Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the steaming chicken parmesan pasta directly from skillet to plate, ready to be devoured by eager diners.

Flavor Tips for Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

• Pro Seasoning Hack: Create a flavor-packed spice blend by mixing extra dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme with your salt and pepper for more depth in the chicken seasoning.
• Quick Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh for diverse meal options that suit different dietary preferences.
• Low-Carb Magic: Substitute traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetable nutrition.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese varieties like fontina, provolone, or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the classic Italian-inspired taste.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator, then quickly reheat and combine just before serving for a convenient weeknight meal solution.

Ways to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

• Comfort Plate Companion: Serve this rich chicken parmesan pasta skillet with a crisp garden salad tossed in light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side helps soak up the delicious sauce and adds wonderful texture to the meal.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a pop of vibrant green color.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti to enhance the meal's robust flavors.

How to Store Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

• Savvy Meal Prep Strategy: Divide leftover chicken parmesan pasta into individual airtight containers for quick grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, ensuring delicious meals are always within reach.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store any remaining dish in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the flavors fresh and ingredients at their best quality.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Portion out cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of extra olive oil to revive the dish's original texture.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a few tablespoons of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the pasta's creamy consistency.

Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken parmesan pasta skillet combines classic Italian flavors in one comforting pan. Melted cheese, crispy chicken, and rich marinara sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups (473 ml) uncooked penne or rotini pasta
• 2 cups (473 ml) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken broth (or water)
• ½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup (15 g) fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Skillet Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a shimmering cooking surface.
2. Chicken Seasoning and Searing: Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs, then cook until golden-brown and fully developed, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Protein Removal: Extract chicken from skillet, setting aside while maintaining its warmth and flavor integrity.
4. Sauce and Pasta Integration: Utilize existing skillet drippings to introduce marinara sauce and uncooked pasta, allowing them to simmer and meld together under covered conditions.
5. Cooking Progression: Stir pasta periodically to prevent adherence, cooking until reaching perfect al dente texture.
6. Protein Reintroduction: Carefully return chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring complete coating and temperature consistency.
7. Cheese Finale: Lavishly distribute mozzarella and parmesan cheese across the skillet, allowing residual heat to create a luxurious, molten cheese layer.
8. Serving Preparation: Remove from heat, letting the dish rest momentarily to allow flavors to harmonize and cheese to fully melt, creating a decadent one-pan culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Seasoning: Use fresh herbs and high-quality spices for deeper flavor complexity, ensuring each chicken piece is evenly and generously coated before cooking.
• Master Pasta Cooking Technique: Stir pasta frequently during simmering to prevent sticking and achieve perfect al dente texture, watching liquid absorption carefully to avoid overcooking.
• Cheese Melting Strategy: Allow residual heat to gently melt cheese for smoother, more even coverage without burning, creating a luxurious golden-brown surface.
• Quick Dietary Adaptation: Substitute gluten-free pasta for traditional pasta and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make the dish suitable for specific dietary requirements without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg