If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to absolutely fall in love with this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe. It’s a creamy, cheesy delight with tender chicken and that rich Italian flair we all adore. Trust me, once you make this, it might just become your go-to weeknight dinner!

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Ease: You cook everything in a single pan, which means less mess and more time to relax.
Creamy & Tangy Sauce: The combo of tomato sauce with half and half gives a luscious, velvety texture without being too heavy.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly but stay juicy and flavorful.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything in your pantry, making it an accessible dinner option any day of the week.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta, Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe, easy Chicken Parmesan pasta, creamy Chicken Parmesan pasta, weeknight chicken pasta - A white shallow round bowl is filled with one layer of penne pasta mixed with bite-sized pieces of light brown chicken, all coated in a creamy orange sauce. Green parsley leaves are scattered on top along with small sprinkles of grated white cheese. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a metal grater and a block of cheese blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe plays a starring role — from the pasta soaking up the sauce to that sharp Parmesan adding just the right punch. I always pick fresh parsley for its bright finish, and olive oil is my secret for golden, luscious chicken. Let me share a quick tip on some of these ingredients to make your dish shine.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta, Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe, easy Chicken Parmesan pasta, creamy Chicken Parmesan pasta, weeknight chicken pasta - Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked pasta, a few pieces of raw chicken breast cut into bite-sized chunks, a small diced onion, two peeled garlic cloves, a small bowl of bright red tomato sauce, a half-filled glass of creamy white half and half, a small pile of grated Parmesan cheese, a few scattered fresh parsley leaves, a small dish with red chili flakes and Italian seasoning, a drizzle of olive oil and a small pat of butter placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Pasta: I recommend a sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni because it holds the sauce well and doesn’t get mushy.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for richer flavor, and don’t be shy with it—it helps crisp the chicken gently without drying it out.
Unsalted Butter: Adds creaminess and depth—make sure it’s fresh for best flavor.
Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and quickly; this also helps keep the chicken juicy.
Onion: Finely diced to melt smoothly into the sauce, giving sweetness without overwhelming.
Garlic: Freshly chopped, of course—can’t beat that aroma!
Red Chili Flakes: Just a pinch gives a subtle heat that wakes up the sauce without overpowering it.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs gives the sauce that classic Italian flair—no need for extra salt here.
Tomato Sauce (Passata): Smooth and vibrant, it’s the heart of the sauce. Look for a high-quality brand or make your own if you can.
Half and Half (Single Cream): It gently softens the tomato’s acidity and creates that dreamy creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce and adds umami richness.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note at the end.
Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste—remember you can always add, so start light!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often swap herbs or add a little extra cheese depending on my mood. Feel free to experiment and make adjustments that suit your family’s tastes.

Spicy Kick: I sometimes bump up the red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce if I’m in the mood for some heat—it transforms the dish beautifully.
Cheese Variations: If you want a deeper flavor, try mixing in some shredded mozzarella or pecorino with the Parmesan. Ooey-gooey goodness!
Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms or spinach when sautéing the onion for extra nutrition and flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta al Dente

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s just al dente — that means it still has a slight bite. Trust me, overcooked pasta makes everything mushy, and nobody wants that. Reserve a cup or two of pasta water before draining; we’ll need it to loosen up the sauce later if it gets too thick.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Perfectly

Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your cubed chicken pieces in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes until they get that beautiful golden color. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until done but still juicy. The combo of butter and olive oil prevents sticking and adds great flavor.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add the diced onion, garlic, and red chili flakes to the chicken. Stir it around and cook until the onions soften, about 2 minutes. This base sets the stage for the sauce, so don’t rush it! Make sure your garlic doesn’t burn—stir frequently.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and pour in the tomato passata. Stir everything together then add the half and half cream. Let the sauce simmer on low for a few minutes to thicken and get those flavors married. Be gentle with the heat here to avoid breaking the creamy texture.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Finish

Toss in your drained pasta and grated Parmesan, stirring well to coat each piece in that luscious sauce. If it feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Finish with fresh parsley, a quick taste test for salt and pepper, and you’re ready to serve!

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Don’t Skip Reserving Pasta Water: That starchy water is magic for adjusting sauce consistency without watering it down.
Use Room Temperature Chicken: It cooks more evenly and stays tender rather than drying out.
Grate Parmesan Fresh: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, and fresh Parmesan truly elevates the dish.
Avoid High Heat After Adding Cream: Keep the sauce on low so it won’t curdle or separate.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Pasta, Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe, easy Chicken Parmesan pasta, creamy Chicken Parmesan pasta, weeknight chicken pasta - The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy orange pasta with short tube shapes mixed with small chunks of chicken, both coated in a smooth, rich sauce. The dish is sprinkled with small bits of green herbs and tiny white shreds of cheese on top, adding color contrast and texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some raw tube-shaped pasta scattered around it, and a metal grater with a beige handle is slightly visible in the background. The lighting highlights the creamy texture of the sauce and makes the herbs look fresh.photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of extra Parmesan right on top for that salty finish, plus a few fresh parsley leaves for color and a slight herbaceous brightness. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil over the top really brings it all together.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I usually serve this with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also pairs wonderfully, perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I sometimes plate this pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. You can also serve it family-style in a rustic casserole dish, letting everyone dig in. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds unexpected crunch and flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they usually last up to 3 days. The pasta absorbs the sauce more overnight, so the flavor deepens, but the texture stays surprisingly nice if you add a splash of water or cream when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this once or twice by itself—just portion it into freezer-safe containers. When thawed slowly in the fridge, the sauce separates less and reheats beautifully. Just keep in mind, pasta texture changes slightly with freezing, so it’s best eaten within one month.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce, stirring often. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but keep the portion smaller and heat in bursts to avoid drying.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni are great for holding sauce, you can swap in fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have. Just be mindful of cooking times to keep it al dente.
Is it okay to substitute half and half with cream or milk?

Yes, you can substitute half and half with heavy cream for an even richer sauce or use whole milk for a lighter version. Just remember that milk won’t thicken the sauce as much, so the texture will be a bit thinner.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked in this recipe?

Cook the chicken pieces until they are golden on the outside and no longer pink inside—about 5-6 minutes total. You can cut a piece open to check, or use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini chunks. The sauce is rich enough that it works beautifully with veggies, too.
What can I serve alongside to make it a complete meal?

This recipe pairs great with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, and crusty garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is truly one of my favorite weeknight meals—it’s quick enough to whip up after a busy day but feels special enough for company. The way the creamy tomato sauce hugs each pasta piece and tender chicken bites brings that nostalgic Italian comfort straight to your bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much your family enjoys it—this one’s a keeper!