Get ready to enjoy a classic Italian-American feast right in your own kitchen with this delicious Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti, Garlic Bread & Broccoli! This recipe brings together crispy, tender chicken breast smothered in marinara and melted mozzarella, served alongside perfectly cooked spaghetti, savory garlic bread, and vibrant steamed broccoli. It’s a complete, comforting meal that’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit with the entire family.
Why I Love This Recipe
Chicken Parmesan is a beloved comfort food for a reason, and this recipe delivers all that classic goodness with simplicity. What I love most is how it combines different textures and flavors into one incredibly satisfying meal. The chicken is tender and cheesy, the spaghetti is perfectly sauced, the garlic bread offers a delightful crunch, and the broccoli adds a fresh, healthy balance. It feels like a hearty, traditional Italian meal, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it a fantastic solution for a delicious weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting and complete Chicken Parmesan dinner:
For Chicken Parmesan:
- 1 boneless chicken breast (about 6-8 oz)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning (to taste)
- 1 tbsp oil (olive oil or your preferred cooking oil)
For Pasta:
- Spaghetti (enough for your desired serving size, typically 2-3 oz dry per person)
- Marinara or pasta sauce (your favorite jarred sauce)
- Salt, pepper (to taste, for pasta water and sauce)
For Sides:
- Steamed broccoli (about 1-2 cups fresh florets per person)
- 2 slices garlic bread (store-bought or homemade)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Breast: A boneless, skinless chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly. You can butterfly a thicker breast to make it thinner, or pound it slightly for more even cooking. Chicken cutlets are also a great option.
- Marinara Sauce (for Chicken & Pasta): Use your favorite jarred marinara or pasta sauce for convenience. Quality matters here for flavor!
- Shredded Mozzarella: Part-skim or whole-milk shredded mozzarella will work. Fresh mozzarella can also be used for a gooier melt, but may release more water.
- Italian Seasoning: A pre-made blend of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and marjoram.
- Spaghetti: Any long pasta shape like linguine or fettuccine will also work well.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best. Frozen broccoli florets (thawed) can be used in a pinch.
- Garlic Bread: Store-bought frozen garlic bread is a great shortcut. You can also make your own by toasting bread with butter and garlic powder.
- Optional Additions: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on the finished chicken, or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinara sauce for a subtle kick.
Instructions
Let’s get this classic Chicken Parmesan dinner assembled and cooked!
- Prepare Chicken Parmesan:
- Pat the boneless chicken breast dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet (oven-safe if you want to melt the cheese in the oven, or use a lid for stovetop melting) over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breast and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the chicken breast, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Cover the skillet with a lid (or transfer to an oven-safe dish and pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely!) until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
- Cook Spaghetti:
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente (cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite).
- Drain the spaghetti well. Return it to the pot or a serving bowl. Toss with your preferred marinara or pasta sauce, adding salt and pepper to taste.
- Steam Broccoli:
- While the chicken and pasta cook, prepare your broccoli. Steam the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water until tender-crisp (about 3-5 minutes), or boil them directly in a pot of salted water until tender. Drain well.
- Serve:
- Carefully plate the cooked Chicken Parmesan. Serve it alongside a generous portion of the sauced spaghetti, two slices of warm garlic bread, and the vibrant steamed broccoli. Enjoy your classic, comforting meal!
Tips for Success
- Thin Chicken for Even Cooking: If your chicken breast is very thick, you can butterfly it or pound it to an even 1/2-inch thickness for faster, more even cooking.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Chicken breast can dry out quickly. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink and reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook the spaghetti until al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Broccoli Tenderness: Steam broccoli until tender-crisp, not mushy. It should still have a slight bite.
- Warm Garlic Bread: Toast garlic bread just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan (Optional): A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on the chicken and/or spaghetti at serving time adds a wonderful finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Chicken Parmesan meal is a complete classic, offering everything you need for a satisfying dinner.
- Extra Marinara: Offer an extra bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping garlic bread or for those who like extra sauce on their spaghetti.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette could offer a refreshing contrast to the richness.
- Red Wine: A glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Merlot, would pair well with this Italian-inspired meal.
- For more delicious and comforting Italian pasta dishes, our Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is always a winner!
Storage and Leftover Tips
This meal is best enjoyed fresh, but components can be stored.
- Chicken Parmesan: Store cooled leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until cheese is bubbly and chicken is warmed through, or in the microwave.
- Spaghetti: Store sauced spaghetti in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if dry.
- Broccoli & Garlic Bread: Best fresh. Cooked broccoli will soften upon reheating. Garlic bread is always best toasted right before serving.
- Freezing: Chicken Parmesan can be frozen (without pasta or broccoli) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this Chicken Parmesan dinner, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:
- For another amazing cheesy chicken bake, check out our Chicken and Mozzarella Bake for a similar flavor profile without the breading.
- If you’re a fan of rich, savory pasta dishes, our Creamy Garlic Butter Beef & Spinach Tortellini for Cozy Comfort is a must-try.
- And for another go-to cozy chicken pasta, don’t miss Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo!
- Finally, for another delicious and cheesy Italian-American bake, our Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli is a fun, crowd-pleasing option!
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti, Garlic Bread & Broccoli is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal to your table with incredible ease. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, promising all the beloved tastes of a classic Italian-American favorite.
Give this recipe a try and let the comforting aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your go-to comfort food meal when you need something quick and satisfying? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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