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

Fettuccine
Angel hair
Bowtie
Elbow Pasta
Linguine
Rigatoni
Gnocchi
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.

Quick Recipe: Fettuccine with Creamy Tomato Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup flour, for dredging
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Salt and black pepper to taste
500g fettuccine pasta
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness, season with salt and pepper, dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and half of the Parmesan cheese.
In a skillet, fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a baking dish.
Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Heat the tomato sauce and cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers. Add the remaining Parmesan cheese and stir until you have a creamy tomato sauce.
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve the chicken over a bed of fettuccine, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

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!

Quick Recipe: Angel Hair with Light Herbed Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten with a tablespoon of water
1 cup seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
500g angel hair pasta
Chopped parsley and basil for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Coat with flour, dip into egg wash, then cover with a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
Bake the chicken on a greased baking sheet for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
Cook angel hair pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain and set aside.
Warm marinara sauce in a saucepan and spoon a thin layer over the baked chicken. Sprinkle with Italian cheese blend and return to the oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Toss the angel hair pasta with a bit of olive oil, parsley, and basil.
Plate the pasta, top with the herbed chicken, and drizzle with extra marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs.

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.

Quick Recipe: Bowtie with Rustic Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts, tenderized
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, whisked with 2 tablespoons of milk
1.5 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups chunky marinara sauce
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
500g bowtie pasta
Fresh oregano for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge in flour, egg wash, and a mixture of breadcrumbs with half of the Parmesan cheese.
Pan-fry chicken in olive oil until golden on both sides, then place in a baking dish.
Boil bowtie pasta to al dente, drain, and mix with a bit of the marinara sauce.
Top chicken with remaining marinara sauce, sprinkle with provolone and the rest of the Parmesan. Bake for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Serve the chicken on a bed of bowtie pasta, garnished with fresh oregano.

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.

Quick Recipe: Elbow Pasta with Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts, cubed
1 cup breadcrumbs
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
500g elbow pasta
1/2 cup panko for topping
Fresh chives for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss with breadcrumbs and half of the Parmesan.
Spread chicken in a greased baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
Cook elbow pasta to al dente, mix with marinara sauce, and pour over the baked chicken. Top with cheddar, panko, and remaining Parmesan.
Bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is crunchy and golden.
Garnish with chives before serving.

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

Quick Recipe: Linguine with Spicy Arrabbiata Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
1 cup flour seasoned with salt and pepper
2 eggs, beaten with a splash of hot sauce
1.5 cups Italian breadcrumbs
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups spicy arrabbiata sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
500g linguine pasta
Red chili flakes and parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat the chicken in seasoned flour, dip into the spicy egg mixture, then cover in breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.
Fry the chicken in olive oil until both sides are golden brown, then place in a baking dish.
Boil linguine until al dente, drain, and set aside keeping it warm.
Cover the chicken with arrabbiata sauce and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Serve the baked chicken over the linguine, sprinkle with chili flakes and parsley for an extra kick.

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.

Quick Recipe: Rigatoni with Smoked Mozzarella Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts, halved horizontally
1 cup seasoned flour
2 eggs, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
1 cup smoked mozzarella cheese, grated
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups your favorite tomato sauce
500g rigatoni pasta
Fresh basil and grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bread the chicken by dredging in flour, dipping in egg mixture, and coating in breadcrumbs mixed with half of the Parmesan cheese.
In a skillet, brown the chicken on both sides, then transfer to a baking dish.
Cook rigatoni to al dente, drain, and set aside.
Spoon tomato sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with smoked mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan, and bake until the cheese melts and begins to brown, about 20 minutes.
Toss the rigatoni with a little olive oil and additional tomato sauce if desired. Serve the chicken on top of the pasta, garnished with basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

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.

Quick Recipe: Gnocchi with Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 cup flour seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper
2 eggs, beaten with a tablespoon of water
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups garlic butter, melted
500g potato gnocchi
Chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the chicken by dredging in seasoned flour, dipping in egg, and coating in panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
Brown the chicken in a skillet, then arrange in a baking dish.
Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the top, then drain.
Drizzle the melted garlic butter over the chicken and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked and the top is golden.
Toss the gnocchi in a bit of garlic butter, plate, and top with the baked chicken. Garnish with parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.

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.

Quick Recipe: Penne Rigate with Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten with 2 tablespoons of milk
2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup sun-dried tomato pesto
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
500g penne rigate pasta
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken with salt and pepper, dredge in flour, dip in eggs, and coat in breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
In a skillet, fry the chicken until golden on both sides, then place in a baking dish.
Cook penne rigate to al dente, drain, and toss with a drizzle of olive oil.
Spread sun-dried tomato pesto over the chicken, top with mozzarella, and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the chicken over penne, garnished with fresh basil.

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.

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

We have 8 versatile recipe recommendations that pair perfectly with your meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients

Fettuccine
Angel hair
Bowtie
Elbow Pasta
Linguine
Rigatoni
Gnocchi
Penne Rigate

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Choose your preferred pasta
Prepare the ingredients needed to complete the recipe
Prepare your side dish

How to make Chicken Parmesan

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Coat Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Coat the chicken breasts in this mixture, pressing firmly so the coating adheres.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side or until golden. Remove and set aside.
Assemble: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cook Pasta: While the chicken is baking, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Serve: Serve the chicken hot from the oven over a bed of spaghetti. Optionally, garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil.

Keyword what pasta goes with chicken parmesan