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If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s rich in flavor and simple to prepare, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your go-to recipe. This dish combines crispy breaded chicken cutlets with a luscious tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese—all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti.
Originating from the beloved Italian-American tradition of Chicken Parmesan, this recipe adds a garlicky parmesan pasta twist that elevates every bite. The blend of garlic, cheese, and fresh basil created a vibrant dish that quickly became a household favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering, this dish is versatile and sure to please.
Why Make This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Flavor Explosion
The combination of crispy chicken coated in golden breading, layered with savory tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, pairs perfectly with the garlicky Parmesan pasta. The fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous finish that brightens the plate.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken provides a great source of lean protein, while Parmesan cheese offers calcium and essential minerals. Using whole wheat pasta is an option to boost fiber intake and keep you fuller longer.
Easy to Prepare
Despite tasting like a restaurant-quality dish, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is straightforward. You can bake or pan-fry the chicken, use a store-bought or homemade tomato sauce, and cook the pasta in under 15 minutes. It’s a perfect recipe for cooks at any skill level.
Versatile and Family-Friendly
This recipe can easily adapt to your preferences — whether you want it lighter by baking the chicken or richer by adding butter to the pasta. Plus, it’s a dish that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
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Ingredients List
For the Chicken Parmesan:
2 large chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for keto-friendly option)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch or crushed pork rinds for keto)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating)
Olive oil or cooking spray (for frying or baking)
1 ½ cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
For the Pasta:
8 ounces spaghetti (regular, whole wheat, or shirataki noodles for keto)
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (optional, for tossing)
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, whole and chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Parmesan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (if baking).
Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan.
Dip each chicken breast into flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
For frying: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking sheet.
For baking: Place breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
Spoon tomato sauce evenly over chicken breasts.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.
2. Cook the Pasta
While chicken bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
In the same pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Toss cooked pasta in garlic oil. Add Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy coating.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble and Serve
Plate a generous serving of garlic Parmesan pasta.
Top with one chicken Parmesan breast.
Garnish with fresh chopped basil and whole basil leaves.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.
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Tips and Substitutions
Make it Keto: Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and flour. Swap spaghetti for shirataki noodles or spiralized zucchini.
Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions.
Homemade Sauce: For an extra fresh taste, simmer crushed tomatoes with garlic, onion, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Cheese Lovers: Add extra shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor.
Crispier Chicken: For frying, make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) to get that golden crust.
Less Mess: Bake the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep the breading crispier.
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Recipe Variations
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or cream cheese to the pasta for an ultra-rich sauce.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or garlic oil.
Veggie Boost: Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers to the pasta.
Chicken Marsala Twist: Swap tomato sauce for a mushroom Marsala wine sauce and omit mozzarella.
Pesto Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Replace tomato sauce with basil pesto for a fresh, herby flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 600 kcal
Protein: 45g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g (lower if using keto substitutions)
Fiber: 4g
Calcium: 350mg
Iron: 2mg
This balanced dish offers a great protein punch and calcium boost while satisfying pasta cravings without excessive carbs—especially when paired with keto-friendly swaps.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the chicken crispy.
Freezing: Freeze chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Serving Ideas: Pair this dish with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of light red wine complements the tomato sauce beautifully.
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Common Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving when cooking. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: Yes, with substitutions like almond flour and low-carb noodles, this recipe fits perfectly into a keto diet. Don’t forget to download the FREE Keto Cookbook – 21 Delicious Recipes for more keto meal inspiration!
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead, then bake just before serving. Pasta is best cooked fresh but can be reheated.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
A: Fresh mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional and work best for flavor and texture.
Q: How do I prevent soggy breading?
A: Baking on a wire rack and not over-saucing helps keep breading crispy.
With its perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is destined to be a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re a busy home cook or an aspiring chef, this dish is as rewarding to make as it is to eat.
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