So, you made my Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe and now you need something to pair it with. Well, you are right where you should be, because below are my favorite easy sides to serve with this Italian classic for a next-level meal that is guaranteed to impress.
A bona fide classic, nothing goes better with a cheesy, chicken parmigiana recipe than a hearty pasta side. Pasta recipes are tasty and simple, which makes them the ultimate pairing for your protein-packed main. You’ll never wonder what pasta to serve with chicken parmesan with these yummy ideas.
If you are wondering what kind of pasta to serve with chicken parmesan, why not try a veggie-friendly option? Low-carb, low-calorie, and low-maintenance, these vegetable noodles are the perfect sides for any weeknight chef. Using only ingredients from local grocery stores, dinner will be ready in no time.
Looking for side dishes for chicken parmesan besides pasta? These garden-fresh salad recipes are just what you need. Brighten up your Italian spread with sides as refreshing as they are easy. These simple salads make some of the best baked chicken parmesan sides out there. And as a bonus, they are healthy too.
Now, onto the veggies… These healthy sides for chicken parmesan are packed with nutrients and fiber that will keep you feeling both satisfied and fit. No one can say no to these superfood-packed side dishes that are easy and quick to make.
What goes better with chicken parmesan than a hearty, warm whole grain? With these five-star recipes, you’ll never have to guess what else goes well with chicken parmesan again. The whole family will adore these tasty sides.
Are you making chicken parmesan tonight but don’t know what pasta to serve it with? Don’t worry—I’ll help you out! Many restaurants serve this classic Italian dish with spaghetti, but there are many other tasty pastas that will go great with your crispy, cheesy chicken.
This guide will help you pick the best pasta to go with your chicken parmesan. I made it after trying a lot of different combinations in my kitchen (and eating way too much chicken parm in the process!).
Why Pasta Choice Matters with Chicken Parmesan
Before diving into specific pasta types, let’s talk about why your pasta selection actually matters:
- Sauce absorption – Different pasta shapes hold sauce differently
- Texture contrast – You want a pasta that complements the crispy chicken
- Eating experience – Some pastas are easier to eat alongside chicken than others
- Personal preference – At the end of the day, the best pasta is the one you enjoy most!
When picking pasta for chicken parmesan, there are three main things to think about: how thick your sauce is, how soft your chicken is, and who will be eating the meal. Now, let’s explore the top pasta options!.
1. Fettuccine – The Wide Noodle Option
Because it has a lot of surface area, fettuccine is a great choice for chicken parmesan. This lets the sauce cover every noodle evenly, so every bite is full of flavor.
The slightly chewy texture of fettuccine made with durum wheat semolina flour helps it stand up to the heartiness of chicken parmesan. The creamy sauce and cheesy goodness of the dish pair wonderfully with the substantial nature of fettuccine.
Quick Recipe Idea: Try tossing your cooked fettuccine with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and parsley before topping with your chicken parmesan for an extra flavor boost.
2. Angel Hair – The Light and Delicate Choice
If you’re looking for a lighter option, angel hair pasta is perfect. Made with just egg whites and durum wheat flour, it’s lower in calories and carbs than many other pasta types.
Angel hair has a delicate flavor that won’t compete with your chicken parmesan, allowing the chicken and cheese to remain the stars of the show. Plus, it cooks extremely quickly – usually in just 2-3 minutes!
Quick Recipe Idea: For a simple side, cook angel hair according to package instructions, then toss with a bit of olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Add chopped herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
3. Bowtie (Farfalle) – The Fun-Shaped Option
Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is both visually appealing and functionally perfect for chicken parmesan. The bow-tie shape is ideal for scooping up sauce and cheese, while still being hearty enough to complement the chicken.
Farfalle is especially great if you’re serving chicken parmesan to kids – they’ll love the fun shape, and it’s easier for them to manage on their forks.
Quick Recipe Idea: Boil farfalle until al dente, drain, and mix with your favorite marinara sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving alongside your chicken.
4. Elbow Pasta – The Sauce-Grabbing Classic
Elbow pasta is short and tubular, making it ideal for holding onto sauce. The elbow shape gives the pasta a little more bite than other types, and it’s excellent at absorbing the flavors of your chicken parmesan.
This is a particularly good choice if your tomato sauce is on the thinner side, as the shape will help capture more of it.
Quick Recipe Idea: Cook elbow pasta, drain it, then add a little olive oil and grated Parmesan. Serve the chicken parmesan over this bed of pasta for a comfort food classic.
5. Linguine – The Sophisticated Strand
Linguine is made from flour, water, and eggs, rolled into thin sheets and cut into long, slender strips. It’s slightly wider than spaghetti but not as wide as fettuccine.
The shape of linguine allows it to soak up all the delicious sauce from chicken parmesan, while the little ridges help to hold onto the cheese and other toppings.
Quick Recipe Idea: After boiling linguine until al dente, try tossing it with olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh herbs before topping with your chicken parmesan.
6. Rigatoni – The Sauce-Trapping Tube
Rigatoni is similar to elbow pasta but larger and with ridges on the outside. These ridges are perfect for trapping sauce, making every bite flavorful.
The tubular shape of rigatoni also creates a nice textural contrast to the crispy chicken parmesan, and its substantial size makes it satisfying to eat.
Quick Recipe Idea: Mix cooked rigatoni with a bit of your tomato sauce before serving, so each pasta tube gets coated inside and out.
7. Gnocchi – The Potato Dumpling Alternative
For something different, try gnocchi! These small Italian potato dumplings aren’t technically pasta but make an excellent base for chicken parmesan.
Gnocchi absorbs tomato sauce beautifully and provides a nice contrast to the crispy chicken. They’re also a good option for those wanting a more substantial carb component with their meal.
Quick Recipe Idea: Boil gnocchi until they float to the surface (usually just 2-3 minutes), then drain and add to your chicken parmesan dish.
8. Penne Rigate – The Ridged Perfection
Penne rigate has a robust flavor that stands up well to the rich sauce and cheesy topping of chicken parmesan. Its firm texture ensures it won’t turn mushy, and the ridged surface provides plenty of surface area for sauce to cling to.
This is my personal favorite to serve with chicken parm because of how well it captures the sauce and how easy it is to eat alongside the chicken.
Quick Recipe Idea: Cook penne according to package directions, toss with a little olive oil, then top with your chicken parmesan and extra sauce.
Other Great Pasta Options for Chicken Parmesan
While the above eight options are my top picks, there are several other pasta varieties that work well with chicken parmesan:
- Pappardelle
- Capellini
- Gemelli
- Fusilli
- Campanelle
- Bucatini
- Orzo
- Spaghetti (the restaurant classic)
Why Not Always Spaghetti?
You might be wondering why restaurants almost always serve chicken parm with spaghetti. There are a few good reasons:
- Tradition – It’s what people expect
- Sauce compatibility – The light texture of tomato sauce coats thin spaghetti strands evenly
- Cost-effective – Spaghetti is inexpensive and versatile
However, spaghetti can be messy to eat and sometimes challenging to enjoy together with the chicken in a single bite. That’s why I often prefer shorter pasta shapes when making chicken parm at home.
How to Choose the Right Pasta for Your Specific Dish
Still not sure which pasta to choose? Here’s a quick guide based on your sauce and preferences:
| If Your Sauce Is… | Best Pasta Options |
|---|---|
| Thin and smooth | Angel hair, spaghetti, linguine |
| Chunky with texture | Rigatoni, penne, rotini |
| Creamy | Fettuccine, farfalle |
| For kids | Farfalle, elbow pasta |
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Parmesan and Pasta
Is there a difference between chicken parmesan and chicken parmigiana?
Yes! Chicken parmigiana typically uses a thinner cut of chicken and is usually served without pasta, while chicken parmesan uses a thicker chicken cut and is commonly served with pasta.
What else can I serve with chicken parmesan besides pasta?
While pasta is traditional, you can also serve chicken parmesan with salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a different twist.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta with chicken parmesan?
Absolutely! Just be aware that cooking times and texture may vary, so follow package instructions carefully.
Final Thoughts
When it comes down to it, the best pasta to serve with your chicken parmesan is whatever you enjoy most! The pasta police won’t come after you if you decide to use whatever variety you have in your pantry.
I personally love the way penne rigate captures the sauce and provides a substantial bite alongside the crispy chicken, but my kids always request farfalle for its fun shape.
Next time you make chicken parmesan, why not try a different pasta than your usual choice? You might discover a new favorite combination!
Appetizers to Serve it With
Making a menu isn’t just about the main event. Because of this, these tasty starters go great with chicken parmesan! These fancy recipes would also make great sides for your main dish and make your dinner guests want more.
- Roasted Delicata Squash: This beautiful appetizer is smoky, slightly sweet, and colorful, and it will make any Instagram foodie jump for joy.
- Pumpkin Yogurt: One of the tastiest appetizers you can serve with chicken coated in Parmesan is pumpkin yogurt. This Greek-style appetizer is tangy, creamy, and garlicky, and it will get any taste buds ready for your delicious main dish.
- One of the best side dishes in my recipe box is olive bread with olive oil dip. This crusty bread is often served with chicken coated in parmesan. Italian food that is both simple and classy. My delicious olive oil bread dip brings it to life.
- This simple garlic bread recipe from Smitten Kitchen will get the job done in no time. This classic Italian dish can be used to make gourmet food by even new cooks.
I hope this roundup post answered your question of what is a good side dish for chicken parmesan. The good thing is that many of these recipes would also pair well with our other simple chicken dishes like Baked Bone-In Chicken Breast and Whole Roasted Chicken. So go ahead and start building your menu and feed your family with these delicious side dishes.
