Chicken Parmesan Pasta Classic

This chicken parmesan pasta is a comforting meal that balances tender chicken bites with rich tomato sauce and creamy melted cheese all in one pot. It brought warm, satisfying dinners to my table on busy weeknights when I needed something that felt homemade but came together quickly and easily.

I discovered this recipe when I craved a classic chicken parmesan flavor with less fuss. It quickly became one of those dishes my family asks for again and again, especially when the weather gets cooler.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: for sautéing chicken and aromatics creating a flavorful base
• Chicken breasts: diced into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating
• Italian seasoning: blends herbs that add classic Italian flavor notes
• Garlic powder and onion powder: enhance savory depth
• Garlic salt: combines seasoning and subtle garlic punch
• Yellow onion: finely minced softens and sweetens during cooking
• Garlic paste: offers fresh garlicky aroma without chopping
• Dried rigatoni pasta: holds sauce well with its ridges and tubes
• Ragu Old World Traditional Pasta Sauce: brings authentic rich tomato flavor
• Chicken stock: adds moisture and infuses the dish with savory goodness
• Mozzarella cheese: shredded melts smoothly for creamy texture
• Parmesan cheese: shredded adds sharp salty tang topping the dish
• Salt and pepper: to taste balance and brighten flavors
• Fresh parsley: finely chopped lifts the dish with a fresh herbal note

Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

Heat olive oil over medium in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add diced chicken along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic salt. Stir frequently. Cook until chicken is mostly cooked through and starting to brown which builds flavor.

Add Aromatics:

Add finely minced onion and garlic paste to the pot. Stir to combine evenly. Let cook on medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until onions are softened and translucent, adding sweetness and depth to the sauce base.

Combine Sauce and Pasta:

Pour in the jar of pasta sauce and the chicken stock. Stir to blend with the chicken and onions. Add dried rigatoni pasta and stir again making sure pasta is submerged in the sauce. Cover the pot. Lower heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 12 to 14 minutes until pasta is tender and has soaked up the flavors.

Melt Cheese and Garnish:

Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese into the pasta. Spread the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover again and let cheese melt from the residual heat about 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

I love how mozzarella cheese transforms this dish. It stretches and melts just right making every bite wonderfully creamy. This recipe reminds me of busy nights sitting around the kitchen table chatting while dinner simmers, a simple pleasure after hectic days.

Storage Tips

Cool the pasta completely before transferring to airtight containers. Keep refrigerated for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or chicken stock to keep pasta from drying out. You can also freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap rigatoni for penne or ziti if preferred—just adjust cooking time slightly as smaller pasta cooks faster. Use turkey or plant-based chicken alternative to lighten up protein choice. For dairy-free options, try vegan mozzarella and Parmesan-style nutritional yeast or cashew cheese blends.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad and a vinaigrette to balance richness. Garlic bread or toasted baguette are excellent for mopping up sauce. A side of steamed or roasted vegetables gives a fresh contrast.

This recipe brings hearty comfort without fuss, proving delicious meals can be simple and satisfying.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Rigatoni is ideal as its ridges hold the sauce well, creating a balanced bite with the chicken and cheese.

→ How can I ensure the chicken is tender?

Cooking chicken pieces gently with Italian seasoning and garlic before simmering in sauce helps keep them moist and flavorful.

→ Can I use a different cheese combination?

Mozzarella adds creaminess while Parmesan contributes sharpness; mixing both achieves a rich, layered flavor.

→ Is fresh parsley necessary?

Fresh parsley adds a refreshing herbal note that brightens the richness of the dish but can be omitted if unavailable.

→ How long should I simmer the pasta with sauce?

Simmering for 12-14 minutes ensures rigatoni cooks through while absorbing the flavorful sauce without becoming mushy.