Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti

Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti is a classic Italian-American comfort dish that combines crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese served over a bed of al dente spaghetti. This dish is beloved worldwide for its perfect balance of textures and flavors—crispy, tender, tangy, and cheesy in every bite.

Making chicken Parmesan at home elevates this restaurant favorite with fresh ingredients, homemade sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s satisfying, hearty, and visually stunning, making it ideal for family dinners, date nights, or special occasions.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a classic comfort food that’s both indulgent and approachable. The crispy chicken pairs perfectly with the tomato-based marinara sauce, and the melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese add a creamy, savory richness.

It’s also versatile and fun to make, letting you control every layer of flavor—from the seasoning in the breading to the sauce and cheese topping. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table with smiles.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines crispy, juicy chicken with hearty pasta and cheesy goodness, making it comfort food at its finest.

It’s perfect for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings, offering a homemade, restaurant-quality experience that is fun to prepare and delicious to eat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 50–55 minutes

Servings and Calories

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~650–700 per serving (includes chicken, cheese, and pasta)

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned or plain)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• 3–4 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Sauce and Topping:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

For the Spaghetti:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• Salt, for pasta water
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

1. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even ½-inch thickness.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 2: Bread Chicken

1. Set up a breading station:
   • Bowl 1: Flour
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
   • Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with ½ cup Parmesan cheese
2. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to adhere.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Fry chicken breasts 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Prepare Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Assemble Chicken Parmesan

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Place fried chicken breasts on top.
4. Spoon remaining marinara sauce over chicken.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan on top.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake in preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden, crispy cheese topping.

How to Serve

• Place cooked spaghetti on each plate and top with a chicken breast.
• Spoon extra marinara sauce and melted cheese over the top.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
• Serve immediately with garlic bread or a side salad.

Recipe Tips

• Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking.
• Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs or add dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder for extra flavor.
• Fry chicken just until golden; it will finish cooking in the oven with the sauce.
• For a lighter version, bake chicken instead of frying at 400°F for 20–25 minutes before topping with sauce and cheese.

Variations

1. Eggplant Parmesan: Replace chicken with breaded, fried eggplant slices for a vegetarian version.
2. Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Layer multiple chicken breasts with sauce, pasta, and cheese in a baking dish.
3. Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
4. Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or sauce.
5. Stuffed Chicken Parmesan: Stuff chicken breasts with spinach and mozzarella before breading.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken without sauce for up to 2 months. Freeze baked chicken with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skillet or frying pan for chicken
• Baking dish
• Large pot for pasta
• Meat mallet for pounding chicken
• Mixing bowls for breading station

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti is a classic, comforting Italian-American dish that’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or special occasions. With crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese atop a bed of spaghetti, it’s flavorful, hearty, and satisfying. This recipe is easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to impress anyone who loves delicious comfort food with a homemade touch.