I’ve been on a comfort food mission lately, and this Chicken Parmesan Pasta might be my new obsession.
There’s something magical about that combination of crispy breaded chicken, al dente pasta, and that blanket of melted Wisconsin mozzarella that makes me weak in the knees. It’s like traditional Chicken Parm and your favorite pasta dish had a delicious baby.
Want to know my secret for getting that perfect balance of flavors without spending hours in the kitchen?
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan
- Kid-approved comfort food – Even the pickiest eaters clean their plates when this crispy, cheesy combination hits the table, making family dinners stress-free and enjoyable.
- The perfect weeknight solution – Easy enough to prepare ahead for busy evenings, yet impressive enough to serve when you want to wow weekend dinner guests.
- Budget-friendly family meal – Combines affordable ingredients like pasta and chicken into a satisfying dish that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
- Nutritious and filling – It provides protein from tender chicken, carbohydrates from pasta, and calcium from melted cheese, creating a well-rounded meal that keeps everyone satisfied.
- Incredibly versatile – Works beautifully as leftovers, can be customized with different pasta shapes or cheese varieties, and adapts easily to dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
What Ingredients are in Chicken Parmesan?
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta combines the crispy, cheesy goodness of traditional chicken parm with the hearty comfort of a pasta dish. As a Wisconsin chef, I’m passionate about incorporating local ingredients whenever possible, which makes this recipe special.
The foundation begins with quality chicken breasts, which I recommend sourcing from local farms when possible. When shopping for ingredients, use what’s in season and available in your area—it makes a difference in the final flavor profile. For the best result, prepare this dish using premium cast iron cookware to ensure even heating and a perfectly crispy chicken crust.
Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (preferably from a local Wisconsin farm)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Wisconsin parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 large eggs from a local farm
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 2-3 tablespoons Wisconsin butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or good quality jarred)
- 8 ounces Wisconsin mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (grow your own if possible!)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
When cooking for my three daughters, I’ve learned that ingredient quality matters—especially with simple, classic dishes like this one.
Feel free to adapt based on what your family enjoys or what you have in your pantry. The Wisconsin cheese is a must in my kitchen, though! The sharp, nutty parmesan and creamy mozzarella create that signature gooey, stretchy cheese pull that kids go crazy for.
And don’t worry about leftovers—if you’re lucky enough to have any, this dish reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
How to Make This Chicken Parmesan
Let me walk you through making this crowd-pleasing dish step by step. Start by preparing your chicken breasts – I like to pound the 1½ pounds of chicken to an even thickness (about ½-inch) for more consistent cooking.
Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: one with 1 cup of flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with 2 beaten eggs, and a third with 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs mixed with ½ cup of Wisconsin parmesan and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
Dredge each piece of chicken through this sequence: flour first (shake off excess), then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of Wisconsin butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the breaded chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook 1 pound of pasta according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes for al dente.
The kitchen smells that develop during this process are what bring my daughters running to the kitchen, asking “how much longer?” every two minutes.
After the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature), transfer it to a cutting board and slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
To assemble, drain your pasta and return it to the pot. Add 2 cups of marinara sauce and toss until the pasta is well-coated. Transfer half the pasta to a baking dish, arrange half the chicken pieces on top, then sprinkle with some Wisconsin mozzarella.
Repeat with the remaining pasta, chicken, and top with the rest of your 8 ounces of mozzarella and a bit more parmesan. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top just before serving.
The contrast of crispy chicken, tender pasta, tangy sauce, and melty cheese creates a comfort food masterpiece that works as well for a family dinner as it does for entertaining friends.
Chicken Parmesan Substitutions and Variations
Although the classic recipe is hard to beat, my chicken parmesan pasta welcomes countless variations to suit your pantry and preferences.
Try swapping chicken for thinly sliced eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Not a fan of regular pasta? Whole wheat, gluten-free, or even zucchini noodles work beautifully.
For cheese lovers, mix in Wisconsin fontina or provolone alongside the mozzarella.
When my daughters want something different, I’ll use turkey cutlets instead of chicken—they never notice the difference!
And during summer, nothing beats using fresh tomatoes from local farms for the sauce.
Using premium cookware sets can enhance even heating and prevent sticking when preparing this versatile dish.
What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan
Now that we’ve covered recipe variations, I’m often asked what goes best alongside this hearty pasta dish.
My Wisconsin roots pull me toward locally-sourced sides that balance the rich flavors of chicken parmesan.
A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the cheesy goodness perfectly. My girls always request garlic bread, though—can’t argue with that logic.
Roasted seasonal vegetables make it a complete meal; asparagus in spring or Brussels sprouts in fall work beautifully.
For a true Wisconsin touch, pair this dish with a cold Spotted Cow beer from New Glarus Brewing—its crisp, slightly sweet flavor complements the rich tomato sauce and cheese.
Alternatively, consider adding some aged Wisconsin white cheddar to your garlic bread for an extra layer of local flavor that melts beautifully and adds a sharp contrast to the mild mozzarella.
Final Thoughts
When I’m putting together this chicken parmesan pasta for my family, I’m reminded why this dish has stood the test of time in homes across America—and certainly in my Wisconsin kitchen.
There’s something magical about watching my daughters’ faces light up as the aroma fills our home.
This recipe strikes that perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. It’s adaptable to whatever local ingredients you have on hand—Wisconsin cheese works wonders here.
The beauty lies in its simplicity, yet the flavors are anything but simple. A true family-pleaser that, frankly, I’m always happy to make.
