Sharing one of our favorite easy dinner ideas today, Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake! Simple to prepare with pasta, red sauce, chicken cheeses and basil!
Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Easy dinner ideas are some of my favorite recipes to create. I’m always looking for quick fix meals with big flavor. This recipe makes the perfect weeknight dinner. The adults and kids love it.
Be sure to try my Chicken Caprese Pasta Bake too! Follow Picky Palate on Instagram for daily recipe inspiration.
What You’ll Need
- small pasta– Use your favorite small pasta shape. Rotini, Penne, shells, whatever shape you like.
- prepared pasta sauce– I like to pick up my favorite sauce from Trader Joe’s, 4 Cheese.
- thinly sliced cooked chicken breast– Cook your own chicken breast or use a Rotisserie Chicken. Shred meat and use in recipe.
- fresh mozzarella cheese– Fresh sliced mozzarella is delicious, and shredded mozzarella cheese works just fine too.
- fresh basil leaves– Fresh basil leaves add freshness and color to the dish. Can be optional if you don’t want it.
How To Make Easy Pasta Recipe
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a 9 x 13 inch baking dish that’s been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
- Evenly pour pasta sauce over cooked pasta then top with thin slices of cooked chicken breast. Top with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and top with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves. Serve warm.
After pasta has come out of the oven, top with fresh basil that’s been thinly sliced. This method is called chiffonade. Simply stack your basil leaves on top of each other, roll tightly and use a sharp knife to thinly slice.
How To Serve Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Serve this simple pasta recipe in individual serving bowls or plates along with a nice side salad.
How To Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat as needed.
Recipe Tips For Success
- Watch pasta carefully as it cooks. I check it 2 minutes before package recommends. You don’t want it to be overcooked as it will bake some in the oven.
- Use a Rotisserie Chicken to shred meat to use for quick prep.
- Fresh mozzarella is so good sliced on top, but you can absolutely use shredded mozzarella cheese as another option.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, you can sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon dried basil over the top of the cheese.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
Equipment
- Oven
- Dutch Oven or large pot
- colandar
- 9 x 13 inch baking dish
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- mixing spoon
- serrated knife to cut fresh mozzarella
Ingredients
- 1 pound small pasta of choice uncooked
- 28 ounces prepared pasta sauce
- 3-4 medium cooked chicken breasts thinly sliced
- 12 1/2 inch thick slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a 9 x 13 inch baking dish that’s been lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
- Evenly pour pasta sauce over cooked pasta then top with thin slices of cooked chicken breast. Top with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and top with thinly sliced fresh basil leaves. Serve warm.
Nutrition
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I can’t rate the recipe, as I have not actually made it yet. Thank you in advance for a very yummy and easy to put together dish. It will be on my list of recipes to try very soon. Great for a potluck. Now that we can do them again.