Chicken Parm Pasta Skillet (Crispy Topping)

When comfort food meets convenience, you get a dish like the Chicken Parm Pasta Skillet (Crispy Topping). This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, hearty penne pasta, and a luscious marinara sauce, all topped with a golden, crunchy panko crust that adds an irresistible texture. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this skillet meal is a winner every time.

Why It’s My Go-To

This Chicken Parm Pasta Skillet (Crispy Topping) is a lifesaver when I want a quick, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes: cheesy, saucy, and with a crispy topping that elevates the whole dish. It’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup, and the flavors are familiar yet comforting. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or tweak the spices to your liking. The crispy topping sets it apart from other pasta bakes, giving every bite that crave-worthy crunch.

What’s in the Bowl

• 8 oz penne pasta – The perfect pasta shape to hold onto sauce and cheese.
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken – Adds protein and heartiness.
• 2 cups marinara sauce – Rich and flavorful, binds everything together.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, creating that gooey texture.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – For the crispy topping that makes this dish shine.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – Brightens the dish with fresh color and flavor.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – Helps toast the breadcrumbs to golden perfection.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds a subtle garlicky depth.
• 1 tsp onion powder – Complements the garlic and enhances flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Balances all the flavors.

Tools of the Trade

• Large pot – To cook the penne pasta al dente.
• Oven-safe skillet or baking dish – For mixing and baking the skillet pasta.
• Mixing bowl – To toss the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and seasonings.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy with ingredients.
• Cheese grater – If you’re using block cheese for the mozzarella and Parmesan.

Chicken Parm Pasta Skillet (Crispy Topping): How It’s Done

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Step 3: Assemble the Skillet

In an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, mix together the cooked penne, 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 2 cups marinara sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Add the Crispy Topping

Sprinkle the seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. This will create that signature crispy topping.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Health-Conscious Tweaks

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free penne pasta for added fiber or dietary needs.
• Swap regular mozzarella for part-skim or a lower-fat version to reduce calories.
• Incorporate more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms into the skillet for extra nutrients.
• Use low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt intake.
• Consider using baked chicken breast instead of shredded rotisserie chicken for leaner protein.

Cook’s Notes

• You can use pre-cooked chicken from a Juicy Whole Roast Chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• For an even cheesier dish, mix some ricotta cheese into the marinara sauce before combining with pasta – this adds creaminess. If you love baked pasta dishes, try the Baked Ziti With Ricotta for another take on cheesy goodness.
• If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley works fine but add it sparingly as it’s more concentrated.
• Don’t skip the crispy topping! It’s what makes this dish stand out from your typical pasta bake.
• Make sure your skillet or baking dish is oven safe—this allows you to mix and bake in the same vessel, cutting down on dishes.

Storing Tips & Timelines

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of marinara or water and cover with foil to prevent the pasta from drying out. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Questions People Ask

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient way to add cooked chicken without extra prep. It also adds great flavor, making your Chicken Parm Pasta Skillet (Crispy Topping) even easier to pull together.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they won’t be quite as crispy or light. You can also crush some plain crackers or cornflakes as a substitute for that crunchy topping.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out mozzarella and Parmesan for dairy-free cheeses that melt well. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor if you want to avoid dairy entirely. Just keep in mind the texture and melt may differ slightly.

Is it necessary to bake the pasta after assembling?

Baking helps melt the cheese fully and crisps up the breadcrumb topping, elevating the dish. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip baking and simply stir everything together and serve, though you’ll miss out on the crunchy topping.

One Pan, More Ideas

• Juicy Whole Roast Chicken – Perfect to prep ahead and use in this skillet or other recipes.
• Baked Ziti With Ricotta – Another cheesy pasta bake to add variety to your meal rotation.
• Skillet Chicken Alfredo Pasta – Creamy and comforting pasta made in one pan.
• One-Pan Cajun Chicken Pasta – Spicy and flavorful with a quick, easy prep.

Next Steps

Ready to make your own Chicken Parm Pasta Skillet (Crispy Topping)? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start cooking! This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy classic Italian-inspired flavors with minimal fuss. Don’t forget to experiment with adding veggies or swapping cheeses to make it your own. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a full, satisfying meal.

This skillet dinner hits the spot when you want something cheesy, crispy, and comforting all at once. Enjoy every bite of that golden topping and melty cheese with tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne. You’re just a skillet away from a delicious dinner that will quickly become a favorite.

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Chicken Parm Pasta Skillet (Crispy Topping)

This Chicken Parm Pasta Skillet is cheesy, saucy, and topped with a golden crunchy panko crust for an irresistible weeknight dinner!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
3. In an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, mix together the cooked penne, 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 2 cups marinara sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
4. Sprinkle the seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. This will create that signature crispy topping.
5. Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
6. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free penne for dietary variations.
• Mix ricotta cheese into marinara for extra creaminess and cheesiness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of sauce to keep moist.
• Don’t skip the crispy panko topping for that essential crunch.
• Make sure your skillet or baking dish is oven safe for easy mixing and baking.