Name: Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Pinch of red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 2 cups breadcrumbs (½ panko and ½ regular); 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally for 4 thin cutlets; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying; 1/4 cup salted butter; 8 (1-ounce) slices low-moisture whole milk mozzarella cheese (packaged or deli sliced); Chopped fresh basil for topping; 12 ounces spaghetti

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 34 reviews

If you are craving a classic Italian comfort meal that delivers crisp, cheesy, and saucy delight in every bite, the Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Recipe is your golden ticket. This dish marries juicy, breaded chicken cutlets topped with melty mozzarella, rich homemade tomato sauce, and a satisfying bed of perfectly al dente spaghetti. It’s a heartwarming plate that brings the essence of Italy straight to your kitchen with each forkful bursting with flavor and love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four white bowls placed on a white marbled surface. The top right bowl has raw, pale pink chicken fillets layered on top of each other. The top left bowl contains white flour with a powdery texture. The bottom left bowl holds whisked yellow eggs with a light frothy surface. The bottom right bowl features a mix of different ingredients: light brown breadcrumbs, grated white cheese, chopped green herbs, and small piles of black and white spices, all arranged in separate sections within the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make this Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Recipe is easier than you think because the ingredients are familiar yet fundamental, each one adding its own magic for a balanced harmony of taste, texture, and vibrant color.

Olive oil: The foundation for the sauce that brings a fruity richness and smooth cooking base.
Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced to infuse the sauce with aromatic warmth.
San Marzano tomatoes: Crushed by hand for a fresh, sweet, and tangy sauce with authentic Italian flavor.
Granulated sugar: Balances acidity to keep the sauce smooth.
Dried oregano and onion powder: Essential herbs and spices that layer earthy, savory depth into the sauce and chicken coating.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Key seasonings to brighten and enhance every component.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch to gently wake up the sauce with a subtle kick.
All-purpose flour: Provides the first coating that helps the egg and breadcrumb layers adhere perfectly on the chicken.
Large eggs: Create the glue for the crispy breadcrumb crust.
Breadcrumbs: A mix of panko and regular gives the crispy, golden texture everyone loves.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor to the breadcrumb coating and topping.
Fresh parsley (or dried): Offers fresh green notes that brighten each bite.
Dried basil and garlic powder: Round out the aromatic herb profile.
Chicken breasts: Sliced thin for even cooking and tender texture.
Vegetable oil and salted butter: Together they create a perfect frying medium for golden, flavorful crusts.
Mozzarella cheese slices: Low-moisture whole milk mozzarella melts beautifully without losing its structure.
Fresh basil: The final flourish that gives an herbal pop over the finished dish.
Spaghetti: Cooked al dente to perfectly absorb the vibrant tomato sauce and hold the meal together.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

Start by heating olive oil gently in a large pot to extract the garlic’s fragrance. Cooking the garlic slowly until golden releases its rich aroma that sets the tone for the sauce. Then add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and stir in sugar, herbs, and spices. Simmering the sauce lets all flavors meld and thicken into a luscious, robust base that will coat both chicken and pasta beautifully.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken Cutlets

While the sauce simmers, get your chicken ready by slicing each breast in half horizontally for even, thin cutlets. Pound each gently to an even thickness so they cook perfectly through. Seasoning each piece upfront with salt and pepper primes them for the next coating stages.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Create a simple but effective dredging station with flour, beaten eggs, and a breadcrumb mixture blended with parmesan, parsley, oregano, basil, onion powder, and garlic powder. This combination ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and the crust crisps to golden perfection. Each cutlet is first coated in flour, dipped in egg, and then pressed into the seasoned breadcrumbs, ready for frying.

Step 4: Pan-Sear the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil and butter in a skillet to get a perfect blend of richness and frying power. By cooking the chicken for a few minutes on each side, you develop a crunchy, golden crust while locking in the juicy tenderness of the meat underneath. A lower heat may be needed if the crust browns too fast, ensuring a perfectly cooked cutlet.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Place the crispy chicken cutlets on a wire rack over a baking sheet and top each with a generous ladle of homemade tomato sauce, two slices of mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Baking in a hot oven melts the cheese over the sauce, bubbles it up, and creates a bubbly, lightly browned finish that is utterly irresistible.

Step 6: Cook and Toss the Spaghetti

While your chicken finishes baking, boil the spaghetti in salted water until just al dente to maintain a slight bite. After draining and reserving some pasta water, toss the noodles in the remaining tomato sauce with a splash of that starchy water. This coats the pasta beautifully, creating a perfect base for your baked chicken parmesan.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Arrange the sauced spaghetti on plates, top with the melty, crispy chicken parmesan, and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil for that vibrant, fresh finish. Your Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Recipe is now ready to delight every forkful.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Recipe

A white speckled plate holds a serving of spaghetti with red tomato sauce, forming the bottom layer. On top of the spaghetti lies a golden brown breaded chicken cutlet, covered with a thick layer of melted white cheese that is slightly browned and bubbly. The dish is sprinkled with small green parsley pieces and some grated light yellow cheese on top. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a metal fork placed nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped basil is the star garnish, adding a fragrant and herbaceous contrast to the rich tomato and cheese. A dusting of extra parmesan cheese on top intensifies the umami experience and brings a lovely salty note to each bite. For a little color and texture crunch, you can also sprinkle some finely chopped parsley.

Side Dishes

This hearty Italian dish pairs beautifully with simple, bright sides. A crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad can cleanse the palate between bites. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also a fantastic companion to mop up any extra sauce, adding that toasty texture and buttery flavor to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or a romantic meal, serve the chicken parmesan on a bed of the spaghetti twirled into neat nests. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and scatter fresh basil leaves just before serving for an elevated presentation. Alternatively, plate the spaghetti in a shallow bowl and nestle the chicken on top, creating layers that invite everyone to dig in enthusiastically.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as they meld together, making next-day leftovers a delightful treat.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and spaghetti separately. Wrap the chicken tightly to preserve the crust and texture, and store the pasta tossed in sauce in freezer-safe containers. Both will keep nicely for up to two months, making it a convenient make-ahead meal option for busy days.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the chicken in an oven at 350°F until warmed through to help keep the crust crisp and cheese melty. Warm the spaghetti gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of low-moisture mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella contains a lot of moisture, which can make the chicken soggy rather than crispy. For this Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Recipe, low-moisture mozzarella works best to maintain that delicious golden, melty top without excess water.

What type of breadcrumbs should I use?

A combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs creates the optimal texture. Panko provides light crunchiness while regular breadcrumbs help the coating adhere nicely. You can adjust the ratio to your liking for more crispiness.

Is it necessary to pound the chicken thin?

Yes, pounding the chicken to an even 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness ensures quick, even cooking and tender texture. This step prevents dry edges and preserves juicy inside meat for every cutlet.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The homemade tomato sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors develop beautifully over time and save prep time on the day you make the chicken parmesan.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Cooking the thin cutlets for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown followed by 10-12 minutes in the oven with cheese bubbling usually ensures doneness. If in doubt, you can use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about making and sharing this Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti Recipe. From the golden chicken crusts to the homemade tangy sauce and the comforting pasta, every element works in harmony to create a meal that’s both satisfying and soul-warming. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy it brings to your family table. Cooking this classic dish at home is easier than you think and always worth every moment spent in the kitchen.