Save A comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta bake featuring tender chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and a golden, cheesy topping.
This dish has become one of our weeknight favorites for its simplicity and comfort. The cheesy top and the hearty chicken always remind me of family gatherings at grandma's kitchen table.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) penne or rigatoni pasta
- Sauce: 700 ml (24 oz) marinara or tomato-basil pasta sauce, 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Cheese: 200 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese, 60 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 100 g (1 cup) Italian-style breadcrumbs
- For Serving & Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional), Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prep the oven and dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 22x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook the pasta:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
- Season and cook chicken:
- While pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle a little olive oil and cook chicken breasts 4–5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a board, cool slightly, and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced chicken, marinara sauce, garlic, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Mix well.
- Assemble and top:
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, then top with breadcrumbs. Lightly spray the top with olive oil.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired.
Save Sharing this pasta bake always sparks laughter and animated conversation in our home. My kids love helping with the cheesy topping and trying to claim the crunchiest corner.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, baking dish (22x33 cm / 9x13 inch), mixing bowl, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta, breadcrumbs), milk (cheese), eggs (may be present in some breadcrumbs)
Nutritional Information
Calories: 530, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 54 g, Protein: 37 g (per serving)
Save Baked Chicken Parmesan Pasta makes dinner memories as comforting as the flavors themselves. Enjoy with garlic bread and a crisp salad.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the sauce well and provide a great texture balance with the chicken and cheese.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?
Yes, diced pre-cooked chicken can be added directly with the sauce and pasta before baking.
- → How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Sprinkle a layer of Italian-style breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and lightly spray olive oil before baking for a golden crust.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Prepare the mixture and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving to maintain crust crispness.
- → What herbs enhance the overall flavor?
Italian seasoning and fresh basil or parsley bring aromatic depth and freshness to the bake.