This week I made Chicken Pizzaiola. It’s definitely one of the best family-friendly recipes I’ve ever made! Watch the short video showing you how to make this recipe. Scroll to the very bottom of this post to print out the complete recipe.
Children are drawn to this Chicken Pizzaiola dish like candy… Who doesn’t like pizza, spaghetti, and chicken?!
This gooey cheese is a no-brainer for pleasing children of all ages. And pepperoni on top makes it feel and taste like pizza! The classic pizza-look is a big part of this recipe. It’s all about the pepperoni placement.
How to make Chicken Pizzaiola:
Marinara sauce is placed into the bottom of a casserole dish. Then you’ll take salt and peppered chicken, dip it in Parmesan cheese and lay it on top of the sauce. At this point, you’ll bake the chicken and the sauce for 15 minutes.
While the chicken is baking, you’ll cook the pasta. Then you’ll take the chicken out of the oven and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Pepperoni slices are placed on top of the cheese, and then it’s baked for another 5 to 7 minutes.
Individual servings of Chicken Pizzaiola will have pasta with the chicken and cheesy pepperoni placed on top.
I would easily compare this recipe to Chicken Parmesan. The main differences are the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and spaghetti. They are both delicious Italian dishes!
The Chicken Pizzaiola won’t be forgotten easily in my house! It is an easy recipe for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends… Whenever you decide to make this recipe, you will not be disappointed. It is a very hearty meal packed with protein. Have some fun with this recipe and add whatever pizza toppings you love. Good luck! (I would recommend putting sausage on top since that’s my favorite).
Here are a few more chicken recipes you might like to try:
- Easy Chicken Chow Mein
- Chicken Cheese Steak Sandwiches
- Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- French Onion Baked Chicken
- Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Chicken Pizzaiola
Ingredients
- 2½ cups marinara sauce (One 24-ounce jar should be enough)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Four 6 to 8-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15 slices pepperoni
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti
Instructions
- Place your oven rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 450℉. Spread the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish.
- Place the Parmesan in a separate shallow dish. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper, then roll in the Parmesan and coat completely (pat it on so it will stick well). Lay the coated chicken in the marinara sauce dish. Maybe sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top! Bake for 15 minutes.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the pasta. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta, then return the pasta to the pot along with the pasta water.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle mozzarella on top. Spread out the pepperoni slices over the top of the cheese. Increase the oven temp to 475 and continue to bake until the cheese melts and the chicken registers 160 degrees, 5 to 7 minutes longer.
- Spoon some of the sauce from the pan with the chicken in it into the pasta. Stir until coated. Plate four dishes with pasta and top with some of the chicken and more sauce.
Notes
- Calories were calculated for 6-ounce chicken breasts.
Jeannette Shields
Monday 9th of January 2023
Thank you for this recipe! I have chicken thawing as we speak, so I will try this tomorrow. I have a couple questions for you about this. 1) Are you using parmesan from the green container or is it fresh ? I can’t tell. 2) Can I add other toppings besides (or instead of) the pepperoni? 3) Do I have to use mozzarella? Can I use sharp cheddar instead?
Cassy
Tuesday 6th of February 2018
This meal is amazing! I make it all the time! We have it over zucchini noodles sometimes too. Thanks
recipeboy
Thursday 8th of February 2018
yay!