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Baked chicken parmesan pasta in a 9x13 baking dish with golden broiled mozzarella and fresh basil

Baked Chicken Parmesan Pasta

A hearty one-pot baked chicken parmesan pasta made with tender seared chicken breasts, marinara sauce, short pasta, and a golden broiled mozzarella and Parmesan cheese topping. Ready in 35 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 383

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 6 to 8 oz each
  • 16 oz dried short pasta rigatoni, penne, or ziti
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic freshly minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided: 1/4 cup for stirring in, 3/4 cup for broiling
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • oil for cooking
  • fresh basil torn, for garnish
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • dried Italian seasoning additional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot or deep skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Broiler
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Sear for 5 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to a plate. Chicken will not be fully cooked yet.
  2. In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  3. Pour in marinara sauce and water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add seared chicken and dried pasta. Stir to distribute evenly. Cover and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan and 1/4 cup of the mozzarella until melted into the sauce. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
  5. Transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella evenly over the top. Place under a preheated broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden. Watch closely.
  6. Let rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Garnish with torn fresh basil, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melt. Rigatoni holds the sauce best among short pasta options. Confirm chicken reaches 165 degrees F with a meat thermometer. Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days -- add a splash of marinara or water when reheating. Freezes well for up to 2 months.