Baked Chicken Parmesan with Penne Pasta

Sharing is caring!

Chicken Parmesan with Penne Pasta is an easy dish that combines tender pieces of chicken, cheese, and penne pasta in a rich tomato sauce with a buttery, crunchy topping.

This take on classic chicken parmesan is a crowd-pleaser and will soon become a family favorite.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you decide to purchase through my link, I may earn a very small commission at no additional cost to you.

Why you will love this easy chicken parm pasta recipe

• The topping: For me, the butter topping takes this baked pasta dish to the next level.
• Perfect for entertaining: There’s nothing better than a couple of big pans of pasta to make entertaining a breeze.
• Easy dinner recipe: This recipe comes together in less than an hour, and the whole family will love it, even your picky eaters.

Simple Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Cooked Chicken Breast – Rotisserie chicken is a great substitute if you want to skip cooking the chicken. See the directions below for the best way to bake chicken breasts in the oven.
• Penne Pasta – Any short pasta will work.
• Marinara Sauce – Use your favorite jarred sauce, or this homemade marinara sauce.
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Italian Seasoning
• Garlic Cloves – Garlic powder is a good substitute.
• Half and Half – Heavy cream can be substituted.
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Parmesan Cheese
• Panko Bread Crumbs
• Melted Butter
• Parsley

How to make the best oven baked chicken

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Brush raw chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Bake for 18 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees.
3. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes.

How to make Baked Chicken Parmesan with Penne Pasta

Pasta

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and add the pasta to a large bowl. Because this pasta will bake in the oven for 40 minutes, it is essential that the pasta is cooked al dente.

Step 3: To the pasta, add chicken, marinara, half and half, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix all the ingredients.

Step 4: Spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray. Add the pasta mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly.

Topping

Step 5: To a small bowl, add panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and parsley. Mix until the butter is incorporated. Spread panko mixture over the top of the pasta.

Bake

Step 6: Bake for 30 minutes covered. Remove aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes or until the breadcrumbs become golden brown.

Tips for making chicken penne pasta

• Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for best results.
• Rinse the pasta cool before assembling the casserole. This is especially important if you are making the casserole ahead of time.
• If you prefer a cheesy topping, skip the bread crumbs and add mozzarella cheese to the top of the pasta.
• Chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken, and leftover grilled chicken all work great in this recipe.
• Do you like a spicy pasta bake? Add red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara sauce to kick up the heat profile.
• If you have fresh basil, sprinkle a good amount to the top of the casserole.
• The half and half creates a creamy sauce, but it can be omitted.
• If you like a saucy pasta bake, add an additional cup or two of marinara sauce.
• Make this penne pasta recipe a one pot meal by using a large Dutch oven to cook the pasta and mix the ingredients. Baking time may need to be altered depending on the depth of the pan.

What to serve with chicken parmesan penne

You only need garlic bread and a simple green salad when serving chicken parmesan pasta.

Want to store for later? Here’s how…

Fridge: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure the pasta has cooled completely before storing it.

Freezer: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

More memorable dinner recipes

Sharing is caring!