No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm, cheesy dish that brings the family together, and that’s exactly what the No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta does. I can still remember the first time I decided to try this recipe. It was a busy weeknight, and I needed something quick yet satisfying. The thought of tender pieces of chicken, gooey mozzarella, and savory marinara sauce all baked together in one dish was enough to make my mouth water. I gathered my ingredients and got started, and I was instantly captivated by the aroma filling my kitchen. As the dish baked, my anticipation grew. When it was finally ready, my family gathered around the table, and I knew I had created a new favorite.
This recipe has become a staple in our household because it checks all the boxes: easy to make, delicious, and comforting. You don’t even have to boil the pasta—it practically cooks itself while soaking in the marinara sauce. It’s perfect for those hectic days when you want to serve something that feels homemade without spending all evening in the kitchen. The No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta is loaded with flavor and is a great way to bring everyone together at the dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Recipe Snapshot
60 mins
20 mins
40 mins
Medium
550 kcal
35 g
Gluten-Free
22 g
Wooden Spoon, Grater, Frying Pan, Skillet, Chef’s Knife, Baking Sheet, Cutting Board, Large Pot, Oven
Why This No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta Works
It’s a One-Dish Wonder
One of the biggest reasons I love the No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the simplicity of it all. It’s a one-dish meal that saves on cleanup time. Just a baking dish and a skillet—who wouldn’t love that? You get all the flavors mingling together in the oven.
Comfort Food at Its Best
There’s nothing like digging into a hearty plate of creamy, cheesy pasta. The combination of parmesan and mozzarella creates a luscious topping that melts beautifully in the oven. The moment you scoop a serving onto your plate, it feels like a warm hug.
Flexibility for All Tastes
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Not a fan of chicken? You can easily swap it out for veggies or even some ground Italian sausage if you prefer. It adapts to your personal taste, making it a go-to for various dietary preferences.
Time-Saving Magic
With the no-boil method, you can throw this recipe together in about 20 minutes, which is a game changer for busy families. Simply soak the pasta in hot water while you prepare the rest of the ingredients, and then pop it in the oven.
Perfect for Meal Prepping
I often make a double batch of the No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta for meal prep. It stores wonderfully in the fridge and tastes just as good the next day. This means I can enjoy leftovers without feeling like I’m eating the same thing twice.
A Crowd-Pleaser
This dish is a hit at gatherings! Whenever I serve it, I receive compliments from friends and family. The combination of flavors and the ease of serving it straight from the baking dish always impresses my guests.
Everything You Need for No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta
The ingredients in this dish come together beautifully to create a comforting meal. Each component plays an essential role, from the tender chicken to the rich marinara sauce. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe so special.
- 1 pound small dried pasta (fusilli or rotini) – The heart of this dish, soaking up flavors while cooking in the oven.
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces – Tender and juicy, it adds protein and substance.
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided – Adds richness and helps the top get golden and crispy.
- 1 cup diced onion – A foundational flavor that brings sweetness and depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – For that irresistible aroma and zing.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the dish’s taste.
- 48 ounces marinara sauce – The sauce that ties everything together with its vibrant flavor.
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (optional) – A fresh touch that can brighten the dish.
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melty and gooey, it’s the perfect topping.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp tang that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mozzarella.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs – For a crunchy topping that elevates the texture.
Cooking Method for No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process for the No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta. This method is straightforward and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Let’s get started!
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Begin by placing the dried pasta in a large bowl. It’s essential to use hot tap water to soak it, so grab some water and fill the bowl until the pasta is completely covered. Add a generous spoonful of salt to the water. Stir it well and let it soak for about 20 minutes. This helps the pasta cook evenly later on.
While your pasta is soaking, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Get a large 9X13 inch baking dish ready. You can also use an XL oven-proof skillet for a one-pot version, which makes serving even easier.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
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Next, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the skillet along with the Italian seasoning. Don’t forget to sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Stir it all together, allowing the chicken to cook for 3 to 5 minutes until it’s no longer pink.
Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the marinara sauce and the optional chopped fresh basil. This will bring all the flavors together. Turn off the heat, and set aside.
By now, your pasta should be ready. Drain it and transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Then, pour the marinara and chicken mixture over the pasta. Mix it all well until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
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Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture. It’s important to spread it out evenly so every bite gets that cheesy goodness. I love how it melts into the pasta.
Now, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the parmesan cheese on top. This will create a delicious crust as it bakes.
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss it with the panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the dish. This adds a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the melting cheese.
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Finally, bake the No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Things Worth Knowing
- Don’t Skip Soaking: Soaking the pasta is crucial for achieving the right texture. It ensures that the pasta absorbs the sauce while cooking in the oven.
- Watch the Cheese: Keep an eye on the cheese as it bakes. You want it to become bubbly and golden but not burnt.
- Mix Well: When combining the pasta with the marinara sauce, make sure to mix thoroughly to coat every piece for maximum flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the dish rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to serve.
Making Adjustments
Whether you want to enhance the flavors or accommodate dietary preferences, here are some tips to tweak your No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta.
- Storage: Leftover No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just cover it well and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. The crunch of a salad adds a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Variations: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the chicken mixture for some extra nutrients and flavor.
- Cheese Choices: You can experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, for unique flavors.
Serve This No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta With
When it comes to serving your No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta, there are a multitude of delicious options to consider. Here are some ideas to complement this crowd-pleaser:
- Garlic Bread: The classic pairing with pasta, providing a crunchy contrast to the rich flavors.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Consider serving with steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy side.
- Seasonal Fruits: A fruit salad made with seasonal fruits makes for a refreshing dessert that’s easy to prepare.
- Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine, a light white wine pairs nicely with the flavors of the dish.
- Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or potlucks where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
FAQ
Conclusion
The No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta is the perfect recipe for anyone seeking a comforting, easy meal that the whole family will love. Its creamy, cheesy goodness satisfies cravings and brings everyone together around the table. I encourage you to give it a try tonight; you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious it is!
No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Grater
- Frying Pan
- Skillet
- Chef's Knife
- Baking Sheet
- Cutting Board
- Large Pot
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound small dried pasta (fusilli or rotini)
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 cup diced onion
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 48 ounces marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Begin by placing the dried pasta in a large bowl. It’s essential to use hot tap water to soak it, so grab some water and fill the bowl until the pasta is completely covered. Add a generous spoonful of salt to the water. Stir it well and let it soak for about 20 minutes. This helps the pasta cook evenly later on.
- While your pasta is soaking, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Get a large 9X13 inch baking dish ready. You can also use an XL oven-proof skillet for a one-pot version, which makes serving even easier.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Next, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the skillet along with the Italian seasoning. Don’t forget to sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Stir it all together, allowing the chicken to cook for 3 to 5 minutes until it’s no longer pink.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the marinara sauce and the optional chopped fresh basil. This will bring all the flavors together. Turn off the heat, and set aside.
- By now, your pasta should be ready. Drain it and transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Then, pour the marinara and chicken mixture over the pasta. Mix it all well until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture. It’s important to spread it out evenly so every bite gets that cheesy goodness. I love how it melts into the pasta.
- Now, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the parmesan cheese on top. This will create a delicious crust as it bakes.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss it with the panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the dish. This adds a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the melting cheese.
- Finally, bake the No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Notes
- Tip 1: Leftover No Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Tip 2: You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just cover it well and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Tip 3: This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. The crunch of a salad adds a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Tip 4: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the chicken mixture for some extra nutrients and flavor.
- Tip 5: You can experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or gouda, for unique flavors.
