Chicken Parm Pasta combines the crispy goodness of Chicken Parmesan with comforting pasta. Start by seasoning and cooking chicken in a skillet, then add marinara sauce and simmer it all together. Toss in cooked pasta, top with mozzarella and parmesan, and broil until golden brown. This delicious dish can be customized with veggies and is perfect for family dinners. If you want to explore more tips and variations, there's plenty more to discover.
History
While you might think of Chicken Parmesan as a classic American dish, its roots trace back to Southern Italy, particularly in Campania and Sicily.
This beloved meal combines the rich traditions of Italian cuisine with the innovative twist of breaded chicken. Originally, it featured breaded cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, a nod to the classic layering techniques in Italian cooking.
In the early 20th century, Italian immigrants introduced this dish to the United States, and by the 1950s, Chicken Parmesan became a staple in American-Italian restaurants.
Often served with pasta, it embodies the comforting essence of Italian meals, making it a popular choice for families seeking hearty comfort food.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
- Italian seasoning (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or spaghetti)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the chicken, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce, bringing it to a simmer.
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it in the sauce, and then sprinkle the cooked pasta over the top.
Finally, cover the dish with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and bubble for a few minutes before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the marinara sauce.
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can include red pepper flakes.
Additionally, feel free to customize the type of pasta used in this recipe or substitute the chicken with eggplant for a vegetarian option.
Leftovers can be easily reheated in the oven or microwave, making this dish an excellent choice for meal prep.
Enjoy!
Cooking Steps
To get started on your Chicken Parm Pasta, you'll first sauté garlic in olive oil to build a flavorful base.
Next, add your seasoned chicken and let it cook through before stirring in the pasta and marinara sauce.
Simmer everything together until the pasta's tender, then finish it off with cheese for that deliciously gooey topping.
Step 1. Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers, creating the perfect base for your pasta dish.
Sautéing garlic is a fundamental step to release its aromatic oils and enhance flavor. Add minced garlic to the hot oil and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until it's fragrant but not browned.
Keep a close eye on it, as browned garlic can turn bitter. A good balance is to use about 1 to 2 cloves of garlic per tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring it doesn't overpower the dish.
If you want to elevate the flavor profile even further, consider adding onions right after the garlic; they'll absorb the garlic's essence while cooking together.
Step 2. Add Chicken and Seasoning
Dice 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Season the chicken with 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is mostly done.
Once nearly cooked through, sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic in the same skillet until soft and fragrant.
Combine the chicken with marinara sauce and dried pasta, stirring well. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook until it's al dente.
This step sets the stage for a delicious Chicken Parm Pasta!
Step 3. Stir in Pasta and Sauce
Once the chicken and aromatics have sautéed to perfection, it's time to stir in the marinara sauce.
Pour in some water to fill the empty jar, bringing everything to a boil to enhance those flavors.
Once boiling, add the dried pasta, ensuring it's fully submerged for even cooking and flavor absorption.
Cover the pot to retain heat and let the pasta cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
When the pasta's al dente, stir in 1/4 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, creating a creamy texture that elevates your chicken parmesan pasta.
Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, cover, and let it melt before serving, giving your pasta dish a deliciously cheesy finish.
Step 4. Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender
With the pasta stirred into the marinara sauce, it's time to let it simmer.
Cover the pot and cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps guarantee the pasta cooks evenly and doesn't stick to the bottom.
Keep an eye on it, tasting a piece around the 10-minute mark to check for tenderness; you want it to be al dente.
If your sauce thickens too much, don't hesitate to add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
The goal is to have the pasta perfectly tender without losing that delightful bite, ready to be topped with Parmesan once it's done simmering.
Step 5. Add Cheese and Broil
As you finish simmering the pasta, it's time to elevate your chicken cutlets with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of grated parmesan.
Preheat your broiler to high and adjust the oven rack about 4 to 5 inches from the heat source for ideal melting.
Place the topped chicken cutlets under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close eye to guarantee the cheese melts and turns golden brown without burning.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding additional parmesan cheese just before broiling.
Once done, allow the broiled chicken to rest for a minute before serving, making sure the cheese sets nicely for a beautiful presentation that'll impress your guests.
Final Thoughts
While you may have your go-to pasta dishes, Chicken Parm Pasta is sure to become a new favorite. This easy dinner combines crispy chicken cutlets with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, making it a dish your family loved.
In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up a quick and easy meal that serves six people. Simply cook the pasta and stir in the sauce, then top with the chicken for that perfect finish.
Plus, you can customize it with veggies or different pasta shapes to suit your taste. Don't forget, leftovers keep well in an airtight container for 3-4 days, so you can enjoy this delicious meal again.
You'll definitely want to add this to your regular rotation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chicken Parm Come With Pasta in Italy?
In Italy, Chicken Parmesan isn't typically served with pasta.
You'll find it as a standalone dish, where breaded chicken is layered with marinara sauce and cheese, then baked to perfection.
Italians usually serve pasta separately, focusing on a multi-course dining experience.
While you might see Chicken Parm with pasta in Italian-American cuisine, that's more of a fusion twist.
Why Is It Called "Marry Me Pasta"?
You'd think a dish named "Marry Me Pasta" would come with a diamond ring, right?
But it's all about the flavor! This pasta is so rich and creamy that it's said to inspire proposals after just one bite.
The combination of garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan creates an irresistible taste that makes it memorable.
When you serve it, you might just find someone ready to pop the question—cooking can be quite romantic!
What Is Chicken Parm Called in Italian?
In Italian, you call Chicken Parmesan "Pollo alla Parmigiana." This name reflects the dish's roots in Southern Italy, where it first gained popularity.
If you explore Italian cuisine further, you'll discover that the term highlights the use of Parmesan cheese, a staple in many Italian dishes.
Does Chicken Parm Always Have Pasta?
So, you think every Chicken Parmesan must waltz with pasta, huh? Not quite!
While many folks assume this dynamic duo is inseparable, Chicken Parm can strut its stuff solo or with veggies, salad, or even polenta.
It's like a party where the pasta didn't RSVP! Embrace the versatility; you're free to enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness however you like.
