Chicken Parmesan with Tagliatelle

Let's Cook

1. 1Prepare the ingredients

   5 min

   Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels — this helps achieve a better sear later. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. While you season, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready for baking. Gather the marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, spaghetti, breadcrumbs, and olive oil on your countertop for easy access during assembly. This will streamline your cooking process and make it feel less rushed.

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   A sharp knife makes prep faster and safer.

2. 2Layer the marinara sauce

   5 min

   Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish (about 9x13 inches), ensuring it covers the entire surface. This layer not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist during baking. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the sauce, spacing them evenly. This arrangement allows the sauce to absorb into the chicken, enhancing its flavor throughout the cook time. Don't worry if they overlap slightly; it will all come together in the oven!

3. 3Add sauce and cheese

   5 min

   Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-covered. This second layer of sauce helps to keep the chicken juicy while also contributing to the overall flavor of the dish. Next, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously on top, followed by the parmesan cheese. Finally, add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning over the cheese for an extra burst of flavor. The combination of these cheeses will melt beautifully, creating a delicious topping that complements the chicken perfectly.

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   For an extra crunch, you can mix the **breadcrumbs** with a bit of olive oil before adding them on top.

4. 4Bake the chicken parmesan

   30 min

   Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it — you want the chicken to be cooked through and the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken breast; it should read 165°F (74°C). The aroma of the melting cheese and marinara will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!

5. 5Cook the tagliatelle

   10 min

   While the chicken is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the tagliatelle to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Once cooked, reserve a cup of the pasta water, then drain the tagliatelle in a colander. If you prefer, you can toss the drained tagliatelle with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while you wait for the chicken to finish baking.

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   Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water for extra flavor in the pasta.

6. 6Rest the chicken parmesan

   5 min

   Once the chicken parmesan bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, ensuring it stays tender. Serve the dish warm, garnished with a sprinkle of additional parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken parmesan bake, and take pride in your cooking skills!

7. 7Plate and serve

   5 min

   To serve, place a generous portion of the cooked tagliatelle on each plate. Top it with a chicken breast, ensuring you include some of that delicious marinara sauce and melted cheese. Garnish your dish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. This dish is perfect for sharing, so gather your loved ones and enjoy your homemade chicken parmesan with tagliatelle!