If you’ve been craving a hearty, cheesy, ultra-satisfying pasta dish—but also want to sneak in a few extra veggies—this Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Extra Veggies is here to check all the boxes. Golden, crispy chicken cutlets? Check. Creamy tomato sauce? You bet. Pasta? Obviously. And wait for it… the sauce is loaded with hidden vegetables for a nourishing upgrade you won’t even notice!
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just want to add a few more nutrients to your comfort food faves, this recipe is foolproof, cozy, and downright GRATE (yep, we went there 🧀).
Let’s dive in!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Crispy, golden chicken cutlets
✔️ Creamy, flavorful tomato sauce with blended veggies
✔️ Easy-to-follow steps for beginner and pro cooks alike
✔️ A balanced meal disguised as indulgence
✔️ Make-ahead and meal-prep friendly
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta:
- ½ lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- Salt (for the pasta water)
For the Chicken Parmesan:
- 2 thin chicken breasts (or pounded thin)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (scrambled)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian or plain with added seasoning)
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder (for seasoning)
- 2 cups canola oil (for frying)
- Mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Parmesan (to finish)
For the Hidden Veggie Tomato Sauce:
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups tomato sauce (canned or homemade)
- Salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional but recommended)
- Splash of reserved pasta water
👩‍🍳 How to Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Extra Veggies
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water and cook your pasta until al dente. Drain, but remember to save about ½ cup of pasta water—you’ll need it later to help make your sauce silky smooth.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
Set up a quick breading station with three dishes:
- Dish 1: Flour mixed with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- Dish 2: Two scrambled eggs
- Dish 3: Plain or seasoned breadcrumbs
Dip each chicken breast in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the coating stick.
Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat 2 cups of canola oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully lay your breaded chicken in the oil and cook until golden brown on both sides—about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
🔥 Pro Tip: Want to make it lighter? Bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Make the Veggie-Packed Tomato Sauce
In another pan, heat olive oil and add your diced onion, carrot, and celery. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until softened—about 6–8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook until it darkens and starts to caramelize (this adds a deep, rich flavor!). Then, pour in the tomato sauce and stir well.
Add your seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, pepper flakes, salt, pepper) and chopped basil. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Once cooked, transfer the sauce to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Return to the pan and adjust seasoning as needed.
🔄 Assemble & Broil
Preheat your broiler. Place the crispy chicken cutlets on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Spoon a generous amount of your blended tomato sauce on each piece and top with mozzarella cheese.
Broil for 2–4 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
🍝 Combine & Serve
In your sauce pan, add the cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Stir until it’s creamy and well-coated. Divide into bowls, top with a cheesy chicken cutlet, and finish with freshly grated Parmesan.
Voilà —comfort food and hidden veggies in every bite!
🥦 Tips & Substitutions
✨ Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in a handful of spinach or zucchini with the veggies if you’ve got extra produce to use up.
✨ Cheese Choices: Fontina, provolone, or even a bit of Boursin cheese make dreamy additions.
✨ Make It Ahead: Bread and fry chicken ahead of time—just reheat and broil before serving.
✨ Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftover pasta and chicken separately to keep the coating crispy!
🌟 Why This Dish Works
What makes this Chicken Parmesan Pasta stand out is the clever addition of blended vegetables. You still get all the familiar flavors you love, but with extra nutrients and texture. It’s perfect for picky eaters or anyone trying to eat just a little better without compromising on flavor.
Plus, the step-by-step structure makes this dish surprisingly easy. You’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar when you plate this up!
đź“Ś Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta with Extra Veggies is everything comfort food should be—creamy, crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor—with a sneaky healthy twist you’ll love. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping lunches, or just feeding your inner pasta monster, this recipe delivers.
Now go ahead, grab your apron, and give it a try. And don’t forget to tag @KeiraRecipes when you share your creations—I love seeing your kitchen wins!
Happy Cooking!
– Keira 💛