Classic Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti is a beloved Italian-American dish that combines crispy, golden breaded chicken breast with rich marinara sauce and melty cheese, all served alongside al dente spaghetti and warm crusty bread. This comforting, hearty meal is perfect for family dinners or a satisfying weeknight treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe captures the best of homestyle Italian cooking — crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara, and a luscious melted cheese topping. Baked for a healthier touch and paired with classic spaghetti, it’s a complete, satisfying plate that delivers both flavor and nostalgia. With simple ingredients and an easy method, it’s approachable for cooks of all levels.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- chicken breasts, butterflied
- all-purpose flour
- egg
- breadcrumbs
- marinara sauce
- shredded mozzarella
- grated parmesan
- olive oil
- spaghetti, cooked
- fresh parsley (for garnish)
- crusty bread (for serving)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and pat dry.
- Set up a dredging station: flour in one dish, beaten egg in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.
- Coat each piece of chicken in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry the breaded chicken until golden on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then top with mozzarella and parmesan.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Plate the chicken over or beside a portion of spaghetti. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan.
- Serve with warm crusty bread.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 590 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara or breadcrumbs for a little heat.
- Herb Breadcrumbs: Mix Italian seasoning or chopped fresh herbs into the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour, breadcrumbs, and pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Lighter Version: Skip the frying and bake the breaded chicken directly in the oven until crisp.
- Cheese Upgrade: Add slices of provolone or a layer of ricotta under the marinara for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 10–12 minutes. To reheat spaghetti, use a microwave or reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs can be used for a juicier alternative, though they may require slightly longer cooking.
How do I keep the breading crispy?
Avoid overcrowding the pan during frying and let the chicken rest on a wire rack before baking to preserve crispiness.
What kind of breadcrumbs work best?
Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crunchier texture, but traditional Italian breadcrumbs add more flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can bread and pan-fry the chicken ahead of time, then bake with sauce and cheese just before serving.
Is store-bought marinara okay?
Yes, high-quality store-bought marinara works well, though homemade adds a personal touch.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, freeze fully cooked chicken (without pasta) in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven until hot.
What’s the best pasta to serve with this?
Spaghetti is traditional, but penne, linguine, or fettuccine are also excellent choices.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Always salt your pasta water generously — it enhances the flavor of the noodles.
Can I make this without cheese?
Yes, but the melted cheese is a hallmark of Chicken Parmesan. Consider dairy-free cheese alternatives if needed.
Conclusion
Classic Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti is a timeless dish that combines crispy, cheesy, saucy goodness with a side of comforting pasta. Whether for a special occasion or a simple dinner, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to the table with every bite. It’s a must-have in any home cook’s repertoire.
PrintClassic Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti
Golden breaded chicken breast baked with marinara and melted cheese, served with spaghetti and crusty bread — an Italian-American favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, butterflied
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Spaghetti, cooked
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Bread, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Butterfly the chicken breasts for even thickness.
- Coat each piece of chicken in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and pan-fry chicken until golden on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken is cooked through.
- Serve with cooked spaghetti on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan if desired.
- Add crusty bread on the side and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, use panko breadcrumbs.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor.
- You can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 140mg