Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce
A comforting Italian-inspired dish with crispy breaded chicken, melted mozzarella, and a fresh tomato-basil sauce, tossed with al dente pasta. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 70 minutes blends breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, beaten egg into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1, beaten egg
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 12 oz, penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 cup, cubed mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1 beaten egg, and 1 tsp salt. Set aside.
- Step 2: Dredge 4 pounded chicken breasts in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in 2 cups tomato sauce, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Toss 12 oz cooked pasta in the sauce. Top with 1 cup cubed mozzarella and bake for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with chicken on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Tomato-Basil Sauce?
Italian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
