Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet 🍗🧀🔥🍅 Crispy Chicken, Gooey Cheese, and Saucy Pasta All in One Golden-Baked Skillet

This is comfort food that checks every box: seared or breaded chicken, a rich tomato base, tender pasta, and a blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. You get all the satisfaction of classic chicken parm with half the work — and only one pan to clean.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the chicken

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Optional: ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (for a crisped version)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the pasta and sauce

• 8 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
• 2–2½ cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup water or chicken broth (for simmering pasta)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste

For the cheese topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Optional: sliced fresh mozzarella for layering

To finish

• Chopped basil or parsley
• Optional: drizzle of balsamic glaze or chili oil

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the chicken
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (and dredge in breadcrumbs if using). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until browned (doesn’t need to cook through yet). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Simmer pasta and sauce
In the same skillet, add pasta, marinara, broth/water, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is just shy of al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Stir in the chicken
Return the seared chicken to the pan and stir into the pasta. Simmer 2–3 more minutes until the chicken is cooked through and everything is saucy.

Step 4: Add cheese and broil
Top evenly with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Place skillet under the broiler (or in a hot oven at 425°F) for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden in spots.

Step 5: Serve hot
Let rest briefly. Top with chopped herbs and serve directly from the skillet.

Flavor Variations

• Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a veggie boost
• Swap chicken for sausage or ground turkey
• Use vodka sauce or pesto cream instead of marinara
• Add crispy breadcrumbs or fried onions on top for crunch

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta — it keeps cooking in the skillet
• Stir halfway through broiling to prevent cheese burn
• Use fresh mozzarella for extra melt and richness
• Want extra crisp? Broil a minute longer or sprinkle with toasted panko

Final Thoughts

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet delivers everything you love about chicken parm — bold tomato flavor, cheesy stretch, and tender bites — in a fast, family-style format. It’s golden, gooey, and completely craveable.

Skillet it. Broil it. Dive in while it’s hot. 🍗🧀🔥🍅

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
• 🍽️ Pasta Dinner Recipes – Family-friendly pastas that satisfy any night of the week.

🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.