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Chicken Parmesan

Name: Chicken Parmesan
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/3 lb chicken breasts; 9 oz penne; 3 cups tomato passata with basil; 1 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup all purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 ball fresh mozzarella; 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley, optional; Butter; Salt and black pepper

From classic to complete meal

We previously shared a recipe for chicken Parmesan in tomato sauce.

A great classic on its own, but today we are turning it into a full pasta bake by adding pasta and finishing it in the oven. It is a comforting dish that works perfectly on a busy weeknight.

What is Chicken Parmesan?

Chicken Parmesan, often called chicken parm, is one of the most popular comfort food dishes in the United States. It has its roots in Italian cooking, although chicken is rarely paired with cheese in traditional Italian recipes.

Still, it is a good example of how Italian traditions blended with American tastes. It starts with crispy breaded chicken cutlets, topped with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. When you combine it with pasta and bake it in the oven, it becomes a generous and satisfying casserole that everyone enjoys.

Pasta and sauce

Start by cooking the pasta. We chose penne because it holds the sauce well and has a nice bite. You can also use fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. After draining the pasta, add the tomato passata with basil and dried Italian seasoning, along with a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in about 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Turn off the heat and toss the pasta with the sauce until everything is well coated.

Making your own chicken cutlets

Store bought breaded chicken cutlets work fine, but making them yourself is simple and tastes much better. Slice 2 large chicken breasts in half lengthwise and pound them thin with a meat mallet.

Dredge them in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. For extra flavor, mix a little grated Parmesan and some Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs. Fry the cutlets in a skillet with butter or vegetable oil until golden and crisp, then cut them into bite size pieces or strips.

Layer and bake

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spoon half of the pasta and sauce into a large baking dish. Arrange half of the chicken cutlets on top and sprinkle with a handful of grated Parmesan. Repeat the layers. Tear fresh mozzarella into pieces and scatter over the top layer. Finish with a little more Parmesan for a golden crust. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Serve with something fresh

This pasta bake is filling on its own, so it is nice to serve something fresh on the side. A simple salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic dressing works well. Or keep it classic with a caprese made from sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of olive oil. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the dish just before serving. Comfort food at its best.