Chicken Parmesan
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Craving something cozy, cheesy, and satisfying? This easy Chicken Parmesan with pasta hits all the right notes. Juicy, golden-brown chicken cutlets top a bed of your favorite pasta, smothered in zesty marinara and gooey melted mozzarella for the ultimate comfort food dinner. Simple to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan
- Quick and easy to make: This recipe comes together fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Healthy ingredients: Made with heart-healthy swaps like whole grain pasta and baked (not fried) chicken
- Family favorite: Classic comfort food the whole family will love
- Perfectly crispy and cheesy: The chicken gets a crispy coating and is topped with melty mozzarella
- Great for meal prep: Make ahead and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner
Recipe Tips
- Pound the chicken: Thinner cutlets cook faster and more evenly
- Use a wire rack for baking: Keeps the coating crisp by allowing air to circulate
- Don’t overload with sauce: A light layer keeps the coating from getting soggy
- Broil at the end: Gives the cheese a bubbly, golden finish
- Serve immediately: Best enjoyed hot to preserve texture and flavor
Chicken Variations
- Swap the pasta: Use whole wheat spaghetti, chickpea pasta, or zucchini noodles
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or breading
- Try a different cheese: Use provolone or part-skim ricotta instead of mozzarella
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta
- Turn it into a sandwich: Serve the chicken on a whole grain bun with marinara and cheese
Chicken Parmesan
This easy Chicken Parmesan with pasta uses seasoned Italian breadcrumbs for a crispy crust. It's a lighter, weeknight-friendly version of the classic dish, delivering all the comforting flavors you love.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and pound to even thickness if needed. Season both sides with salt and pepper. In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Press each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides. Place chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken: Bake for 20 minutes until thoroughly cooked but still tender. Remove from oven and spoon 2–3 tablespoons of marinara over each piece. Top with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Return to oven and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a little marinara if desired
- Assemble and serve: Serve each chicken breast over a bed of pasta. Garnish with fresh basil if using.
Notes
Nutrition (approx. per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 6g
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- Ground Turkey Pasta: A quick, high-protein meal with lean ground turkey, marinara, and your favorite pasta for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Baked Ziti: A cheesy, comforting pasta bake loaded with marinara, mozzarella, and ricotta for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
- Ground Chicken Chili: A lighter take on traditional chili, made with ground chicken, beans, and bold spices for a cozy and filling dish.