Imagine a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that'll make your weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion. This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is exactly that—a rich blend of tender chicken, garlicky sauce, and that irresistible Parmesan bite, all tossed together for pure comfort in every forkful.

A large white round pan filled with creamy penne pasta coated in a smooth light beige sauce mixed with visible black pepper and herbs. On top, two neat rows of grilled golden brown chicken strips with a slightly charred texture each sprinkled with finely grated white cheese and small green parsley pieces. A golden spoon is partially submerged in the pasta on the lower left side. The background shows a white marbled surface with a part of a white cloth visible at the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I first made this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe, I was blown away by how easily the flavors came together to create something both comforting and a little elevated. It's one of those dishes that feels fancy without being complicated—a perfect balance for busy cooks who want delicious.

One-Pan Sauce Magic: You build the sauce right in the same pan you cooked the chicken, so every bit of flavor from those golden brown bits gets into the dish.
Rich and Creamy Texture: Using half and half and freshly grated Parmesan gives a sauce that's indulgent yet not overly heavy.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: Pounding the chicken breast thin and seasoning it well ensures each bite is juicy and full of flavor.
Comfort Food Meets Simplicity: Despite all that flavor, this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is straightforward and ready in about 40 minutes.

The image shows a close-up of creamy pasta with grilled pieces on the side arranged in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The pasta is coated in a thick, smooth white sauce with herbs and black pepper visible, giving it a speckled texture. The grilled pieces are golden brown with a slightly crispy look, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and a bit of white grated topping. The contrast between the creamy sauce and the browned grilled pieces creates a rich, inviting look. A golden spoon rests partially submerged in the pasta. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe lies in the way simple ingredients unite for maximum flavor and texture. Every element has a role—whether it's tenderizing the chicken, creating the perfect creamy sauce, or adding depth with spices.

Flat lay of two medium raw chicken breasts with smooth skin, small heaps of salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika sprinkled nearby, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a mound of uncooked penne pasta, a small white bowl containing two tablespoons of olive oil, a small white bowl with two tablespoons of unsalted butter cubes, a small pile of finely chopped shallot, several fresh garlic cloves peeled and whole, a tiny heap of red pepper flakes, a neat mound of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with low-sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl holding creamy half-and-half, a small heap of crushed chicken bouillon powder, small piles of dried parsley, dried basil, and dried oregano, a small pile of salt, a small heap of black pepper, a generous pile of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, and a halved lemon with some juice droplets visible placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Sliced and pounded for quick cooking and even tenderness.
Spices (salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika): A simple but flavorful mix that seasons the chicken perfectly.
Olive oil: Helps crisp the chicken and adds a fruity depth to the sauce.
Penne pasta: Perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
Butter and shallots: The shallots add subtle sweetness, and the butter creates a rich base for the sauce.
Garlic and red pepper flakes: They give the sauce that warm, lightly spicy kick.
Flour: Thickens the sauce to just the right consistency.
Chicken broth and half and half: Create the creamy, savory sauce that makes this dish feel indulgent.
Chicken bouillon and dried herbs: Infuse extra depth of flavor and a touch of freshness.
Freshly grated Parmesan: The star cheese that melts into the sauce for that signature Chicken Parmesan flavor.
Fresh parsley and lemon juice (optional): Add brightness and color on the finishing touch.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love to tweak this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe based on what I have in my pantry or mood I’m in. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by swapping out pasta shapes or adding your favorite fresh herbs for some extra personality.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out penne for rigatoni or farfalle; they all hold the sauce beautifully. Also, adding a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes turns it into a veggie-loaded celebration.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or almond milk combined with a thickener instead of half and half and try nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a vegan twist.
Spicy Kick: Feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add some crushed chili for more heat—just how I like it when I want a little fire in my dinner.

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

Step 1: Tenderize and Season the Chicken

First, slice your chicken breasts horizontally to create fillets that cook quickly and evenly. Then, cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound them out using a meat mallet or the side of a can. This little trick keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Pat them dry, drizzle with olive oil, and generously sprinkle the combined spices on both sides. Let the chicken rest while you get the rest of your ingredients ready—this lets the flavors soak in.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a good two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering hot, lay down the chicken fillets and let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a nice golden crust and an internal temperature of 160°F. Once done, transfer them to a cutting board and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This resting stage seals in the juices.

Step 3: Build the Sauce in the Same Pan

Don’t wipe out that skillet! The chicken drippings have tons of flavor. Add two tablespoons of butter and melt it over medium heat. Toss in your chopped shallots and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant. Then add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, stirring for another 30 seconds before sprinkling the flour in. Stir the flour constantly for a minute so it cooks through without clumping—a crucial step for a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Whisk in Broth & Cream for That Velvety Finish

Reduce the heat to low, then slowly whisk in your chicken broth and half and half until everything is silky smooth. Add the chicken bouillon and dried herbs, then raise the heat a bit to gently simmer. Keep stirring often so your sauce thickens evenly without burning. Once it’s nice and creamy, reduce the heat to low again and stir in your freshly grated Parmesan a handful at a time. This is where the magic happens—that cheese melts perfectly into the sauce.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Cook your penne until just al dente, then reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Stir the pasta and sliced chicken into your sauce. If it feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until you hit that perfectly saucy texture. Taste, then adjust salt, pepper, or maybe a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. I always like a bit of brightness cutting through the richness. Garnish with chopped parsley and get ready to dive in!

Top Tip

From my experience, the secret to nailing this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe is patience and seasoning. Don’t rush those chicken fillets or skim on the spices. Also, taking care to cook the sauce slowly and stirring frequently makes all the difference in getting that silky texture without lumps.

Season Early: Applying the spice mix to the chicken and letting it rest before cooking gives a deeper flavor.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking locks in moisture, so your meat stays tender.
Smooth Sauce Trick: Gradually whisking in liquids and cooking the flour for a minute prevents lumps and creates perfect sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: Adding pasta water is my go-to trick to adjust sauce consistency without watering down flavor.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When serving, I like to sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for that pop of green and a bit of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Sometimes a few extra shreds of Parmesan cheese make it look extra inviting—plus, who doesn’t love more cheese?

Side Dishes

I usually pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness. Garlic bread or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli also round out the meal nicely—simple, fresh, and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe in individual oven-safe bowls topped with extra Parmesan and broiled until bubbly and golden—kind of like a pasta gratin. It makes dinner feel a little extra festive and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps well for 3 to 4 days. Because of the creamy sauce, it’s best to reheat gently to avoid separating.

Freezing

I’ve found this recipe freezes okay, but the texture of the sauce can change slightly. If you plan to freeze, let the dish cool completely and freeze in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water stirred in to bring back creaminess. Microwave works in a pinch but be cautious to heat in short bursts and stir often to keep sauce smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and tend to stay juicy even if slightly overcooked. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.

What’s the best way to avoid clumpy sauce when making this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe?

The key is to cook the flour in the melted butter for about a minute before adding the liquids, whisking constantly. Also, add the broth and half-and-half gradually while whisking to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it for dinner?

Yes! You can cook the entire Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to eat, gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of liquid to bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency.

What type of Parmesan cheese works best in this recipe?

Freshly grated Parmesan is best, preferably from a wedge rather than pre-shredded cheese. It melts better and has a more vibrant flavor that’s essential for this Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe has become one of my go-to meals for those nights when I want something that feels comforting and a little bit special without hours in the kitchen. I love how the simple ingredients come together for big flavor, and I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Trust me, it’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again.