8 Best pasta to Serve with Chicken Parmesan You’ll Love

Many people feel overwhelmed when trying to choose the best pasta side dish to serve with chicken parmesan. After all, there are so many different types of pasta to choose from, and everyone has their own preferences.

Thankfully, this article explains why each type of pasta is a great choice to serve with chicken parmesan, so stick with me here.

But here’s the deal, I first tried pasta with chicken parmesan at a friend’s house. I was blown away by how delicious the combination was, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Since then, I’ve experimented with different pasta types and found that some work better than others.

Consequently, I’ve created this guide to explain why each of the following pasta is a great choice to serve alongside this cheesy main dish.

So, without further ado, here are the best kinds of pasta to serve with chicken parmesan:

Best pasta to Serve with Chicken Parmesan

  1. Fettuccine
  2. Angel hair
  3. Bowtie
  4. Elbow Pasta
  5. Linguine
  6. Rigatoni
  7. Gnocchi
  8. Penne Rigate

Fettuccine

 

For starters, fettuccine is a great pasta to serve with chicken parmesan because it has a wide surface area. This allows the sauce to evenly coat each noodle, resulting in maximum flavor in every bite.

In addition, fettuccine is made with durum wheat semolina flour, which gives it a slightly chewy texture. This is important because it helps the pasta stand up to the heartiness of the chicken parmesan.

Similarly, the creamy sauce and cheesy deliciousness of Chicken Parmesan go exceptionally well with the hearty and filling characteristics of fettuccine. The pasta also adds a nice contrast to the crispy chicken, making for a well-rounded and satisfying dinner.

Of course, there are many ways to prepare fettuccine as a side dish for Chicken Parmesan. One popular method is to simply add the pasta to the chicken and cheese sauce, allowing it to soak up all the flavor. Another option is to toss the cooked fettuccine with some olive oil or butter, garlic, and parsley. No matter how you prepare it, this classic combo is sure to please.

Angel hair

On the other hand, angel hair pasta is a great choice if you’re looking for a lighter option. This type of pasta is made with only egg whites and durum wheat flour, so it’s much lower in calories and carbs than other types of pasta.

Furthermore, this light and angel hair pasta goes perfectly with the rich flavors of chicken parmesan, and it has a very delicate flavor that won’t compete with the chicken parmesan. This is important because you want the chicken and cheese to be the stars of the show.

Plus, it only takes a few minutes to prepare. Simply cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions, then toss it with some olive oil and Parmesan cheese. You can also add some chopped parsley or basil for extra flavor. Serve the angel hair pasta alongside your chicken parmesan!

Bowtie

Next, there are a few reasons that bowtie pasta is an excellent side dish for Chicken Parmesan. First, the bowtie shape is perfect for scooping up sauce and cheese. Second, the pasta is hearty enough to stand up to the chicken, but still light enough to let the flavors of the dish shine through. Finally, the bowtie’s colorful appearance makes it a welcome addition to any plate.

So, to prepare bowtie pasta as a side dish for Chicken Parmesan, simply boil the pasta until al dente. Once it is cooked, drain it and then add it to a serving bowl. Top with your favorite marinara sauce and some freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Moreover, bowtie pasta can also be used as a base for a variety of other dishes. For example, you could add vegetables and protein to create a filling main course. Or, you could top the pasta with a creamy Alfredo sauce for a richer dish. There are endless possibilities for how to utilize this versatile bowtie pasta.

Elbow Pasta

Elbow pasta is another excellent choice for a side dish to Chicken Parmesan. This type of pasta is short and tubular, which makes it ideal for holding onto the sauce. Plus, the elbow shape gives the pasta a little more bite than other types of pasta.

Additionally, the elbow pasta is a great way to absorb the sauce and flavors of the chicken parmesan. To prepare this dish, simply cook the pasta in boiling water until it is tender. Then, add a little bit of olive oil and Parmesan cheese to the pasta and stir.

Serve the chicken parmesan over the elbow pasta and relish its goodness! Needless to say, this dish can also be served with a salad or vegetables on the side.

Linguine

 

Following that is Linguine. This is pasta that is made from flour, water, and eggs. The dough is rolled into thin sheets and then cut into long, slender strips. Linguine is commonly served alongside chicken Parmesan.

From my experience, the reason it goes well with it is that its shape allows it to soak up all of the delicious sauce from the chicken Parmesan. In addition, the little ridges on the linguine help to hold onto the cheese and other toppings.

Typically, linguine can be prepared in a variety of ways, but the most common way is to simply boil it in water until it is cooked al dente. Once it is cooked, it can be tossed with olive oil, garlic, and parsley. Another popular way to prepare linguine is to make a simple Alfredo sauce by combining heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. The sauce is then spooned over the cooked pasta.

In addition to being served as a side dish, linguine can also be used as a main course. It can be topped with vegetables, meat, or seafood. Or, it can be made into a cold pasta salad by adding chopped vegetables and dressing it with a vinaigrette or creamy dressing

Rigatoni

Rigatoni is another great choice for a side dish to chicken Parmesan. This pasta is similar to elbow pasta, but it is slightly larger and has ridges on the outside. The ridges help the pasta hold onto the sauce, making it an ideal candidate for chicken Parmesan.

To prepare rigatoni as a side dish, simply cook the pasta in boiling water until it is tender. Once it is cooked, drain it and then add it to a serving bowl. Top with your favorite marinara sauce and some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, then serve.

Rigatoni can also be used as a base for a variety of other dishes. For example, you could add vegetables and protein to create a filling main course. Or, you could top the pasta with a creamy Alfredo sauce for a richer dish. There are endless possibilities for how to utilize this pasta.

Gnocchi

Last but not least, is one of my personal favorites, gnocchi. Gnocchi is a type of Italian dumpling that is made from potato, flour, and egg. It is commonly served as a side dish to chicken Parmesan.

Let me tell you this straight, these small potato dumplings, absorb the tomato sauce and complement the crispy chicken nicely. Plus, they are a good option for those who want a carb-heavy meal. To prepare the gnocchi, simply boil them in water until they float to the surface. Then, add them to your Chicken Parmesan dish, and WHAM! a blast of deliciousness.

Penne Rigate

Penne Rigate is the perfect pasta side dish for Chicken Parmesan. It has a robust flavor that can stand up to the rich sauce and cheesy topping of the chicken, and its firm texture ensures that it will retain its shape and not turn into a mushy mess. Plus, its ridged surface provides plenty of room for the sauce to cling, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor.

Now that you know why penne rigate is an ideal side dish for Chicken Parmesan, how do you prepare it? Luckily, it’s easy. Simply cook the pasta according to the package directions and then toss it with a little bit of olive oil. Once your Chicken Parmesan is ready, simply top it with the pasta and eat up.

Of course, penne rigate isn’t just a great side dish for Chicken Parmesan. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a main course or tossed with your favorite vegetables for a healthy, filling meal.

Some other suitable pasta to serve with Chicken Parmesan

  • Pappardelle
  • Capellini
  • Gemelli
  • Fusilli
  • Campanelle
  • Bucatini
  • Orzo
  • Spaghetti

FAQ

What do you serve with chicken parmesan?

Typically, chicken parmesan is served with a side of pasta. However, there are a variety of other sides that can be served with chicken parmesan as well. Some other popular choices include salad, roasted vegetables, and mashed potatoes.

What is the best pasta for chicken parmesan?

There is a variety of pasta that can be enjoyed with chicken parmesan. However, some of the best choices include penne rigate, rigatoni, and gnocchi.

Is there a difference between chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana?

Yes, there is a difference between chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana. Chicken parmigiana is typically made with a thinner cut of chicken, while chicken parmesan is made with a thicker cut of chicken.

Additionally, chicken parmigiana is usually served without pasta, while chicken parmesan is typically served with a side of pasta.

Conclusion

Now that you know about the best kinds of pasta to serve with chicken parmesan, it’s time to get cooking. Each of these pasta options is easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of effort. So, go ahead and choose your favorite pasta dish and start preparing for an amazing Italian feast!

From bowtie pasta to orzo, whatever pasta you choose, make sure to enjoy it with your favorite marinara sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to try out some of the other pasta types on this list.