Craving juicy breaded chicken topped with rich sauce, melty cheese, and pasta that feels like a warm hug? You’re in the right place! This Ragu chicken parm recipe brings together classic Italian-American flavors with a twist—using hearty Ragú® sauce and simple oven-baked steps that anyone can master. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, date night, or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal stress.
Why This Ragu Chicken Parm Recipe Works for Everyone
Chicken Parmesan is one of the most universally loved comfort foods — golden breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese all baked together. And this version uses Ragú pasta sauce to boost flavor without needing hours in the kitchen.
What makes it exceptional:
- Simple prep steps — negligible chopping and easy breading.
- Kid-approved comfort food.
- Great for leftovers or batch cooking.
- Pasta included — this isn’t just chicken, it’s a full meal.
Let’s walk through what you need and how to make this irresistible dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for this Ragu chicken parm recipe — most of it pantry-friendly:
Main Ingredients
- 3/4 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
Use regular or gluten-free to suit your diet. - 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
A blend of oregano, basil, thyme brings classic flavor. - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Garlic powder adds depth without extra chopping. - 1 beaten egg
Helps the crumbs stick to the chicken. - 3 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts (halved)
Thinner pieces cook evenly. - 1 jar Ragú® pasta sauce
This is where the flavor shines — use your favorite Ragú® variety (Old World Style® Traditional works great). - 12 oz pasta (ziti or penne)
Complements the saucy chicken. - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Melts beautifully on top. - 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Adds salty richness.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these steps to make the best Ragu chicken parm — crispy, cheesy, comforting:
PREP
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
This intense heat crisps the chicken and melts the cheese perfectly. - Mix the breading.
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. - Beat the egg.
In another bowl, beat the egg lightly.
COAT THE CHICKEN
- Dunk chicken in egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mix until fully covered. Shake off excess.
- Place chicken in a greased baking dish.
Arrange so each piece lies flat and doesn’t overlap.
COOK AND COMBINE
- Bake the chicken for about 20 minutes.
Cook until the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C) and the crumbs are slightly golden. - Cook the pasta while the chicken bakes.
Boil pasta to al dente, drain, and toss with 3/4 of the Ragú® sauce. - Spread sauce-tossed pasta in a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Arrange the baked chicken on top of the pasta.
- Pour remaining sauce over the chicken and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
FINAL BAKE
- Bake for 10 more minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot straight from the oven with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired!
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Parm
✔️ Don’t skip coating the pasta — tossing it with sauce keeps the noodles saucy and flavorful.
✔️ Use quality Ragú® sauce — The Old World Style® Traditional sauce pairs beautifully with cheeses.
✔️ Add herbs if you like — fresh basil or parsley at the end brightens the dish.
✔️ Rest before serving — Let it cool for 3–5 minutes so the layers settle.
What to Serve With Your Ragu Chicken Parm
This hearty dish deserves sides that complement its rich flavors:
- Garlic Bread — soak up every last drop of sauce.
- Caesar or Caprese Salad — light and refreshing contrast.
- Red Wine — a classic Italian pairing (Sangiovese works especially well).
- Sparkling Water with Lemon — cuts through the richness.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
Variations & Healthy Twists
✔️ Gluten-free: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs.
✔️ Vegetarian: Replace chicken with breaded eggplant or zucchini slices.
✔️ Air-Fryer Version: Bake chicken in an air fryer first for extra crispiness.
✔️ Add Spinach or Mushrooms: Sautéed veggies make it even heartier.
Why Chicken Parmesan is a Worldwide Favorite
Chicken Parmesan—or Chicken Parmigiana—is Italian-American comfort food at its best: crispy, cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying. Classic recipes typically involve breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese layered together. While traditional versions might be pan-fried, this baked recipe makes it easier and healthier without compromising taste.
Ragu Chicken Parm Recipe
Ingredients
Method
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Breading
In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.In a second bowl, beat the egg until smooth.Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.Coat the chicken evenly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.Bake the Chicken
Place the breaded chicken in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden.Cook the Pasta
While the chicken bakes, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.Drain well and return the pasta to the pot.Add Sauce to Pasta
Pour ¾ of the Ragu sauce over the cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated.Spread the sauced pasta evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.Assemble the Dish
Remove the partially baked chicken from the oven and place it on top of the pasta.Spoon the remaining Ragu sauce over the chicken pieces.Add Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken, followed by the Parmesan cheese.Final Bake
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.Serve hot with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Recipe Notes
- For crispier chicken, avoid adding sauce directly onto the chicken until after the first bake.
- You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Add fresh basil or parsley before serving for extra flavor.
- This recipe reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual servings.
Nutrition Information
(Estimated per serving)- Calories: ~520
- Protein: ~38g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~22g
Final Thoughts
This Ragu chicken parm recipe brings restaurant-style flavor into your home kitchen with a foolproof method and ingredients you can find at any grocery store. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you want a cozy meal that impresses without stress.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or making Chicken Parmesan for the first time, this recipe guides you every step of the way. Serve it with pasta, a crisp salad, and extra cheese—and enjoy every bite of this classic comfort meal!
Content information Source: https://www.mommyhatescooking.com/chicken-parmesan-bake-ragu-2
Also Read:- Creamy Quesadilla Sauce Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ragu chicken parm?
Ragu chicken parm is a baked chicken parmesan dish made with breaded chicken breasts, Ragú® pasta sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. It’s usually served with pasta and baked in the oven for an easy, comforting meal.
Can I make chicken parmesan using Ragu sauce?
Yes, Ragu sauce works perfectly for chicken parmesan. Its rich tomato flavor blends well with crispy chicken and melted cheese, saving time without sacrificing taste.
Which Ragu sauce is best for chicken parm?
Ragú Old World Style Traditional or Ragú Chunky Tomato Garlic & Onion are the best choices for chicken parm because they balance sweetness and acidity and pair well with cheese.
Is Ragu chicken parm baked or fried?
This Ragu chicken parm recipe is baked, not fried. Baking makes it lighter, less oily, and easier to prepare while still keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.
How do you keep chicken parm from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy chicken:
Bake the breaded chicken first
Add sauce after the chicken is partially cooked
Use a hot oven (400°F / 205°C)
This keeps the coating crispy.
Can I prepare Ragu chicken parm ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the best taste and texture.
What pasta goes best with Ragu chicken parm?
Ziti, penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni work best because they hold the Ragu sauce well and pair nicely with baked chicken parmesan.
Can I make Ragu chicken parm without pasta?
Yes, you can skip the pasta and serve Ragu chicken parm with roasted vegetables, zucchini noodles, or a fresh salad for a low-carb option.
Is Ragu chicken parm freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven for best results.
How long does chicken parmesan take to bake?
Ragu chicken parm typically takes about 30 minutes total:
20 minutes for baking the breaded chicken
10 minutes after adding sauce and cheese
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What cheese is best for chicken parmesan?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are the classic choices. Mozzarella melts smoothly, while Parmesan adds sharp, salty flavor.
