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air fried chicken parm pasta

Air Fried Crispy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake (Macro Friendly)

5 from 1 vote
A high-volume, 50g protein comfort meal using a double-air-fry technique to crisp up protein pasta and melt low-fat mozzarella over perfectly breaded chicken.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Components
  • 4 oz Barilla Protein Pasta (dry weight, cooked prior to air frying)
  • 1 package Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Breaded Chicken (cooked)
  • 0.5 cup Low-Fat Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1 cup Marinara Sauce
  • 1 spray Cooking Spray
  • 1 dash Italian Seasoning

Equipment

Air Fryer
Air Fryer
Digital Scale
Digital Scale

Method
 

  1. Cook the protein pasta according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly, then coat lightly with cooking spray and Italian seasoning.
  2. Place the seasoned pasta in an air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes until completely crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
  3. Transfer the crispy pasta to an oven-safe or air-fryer-safe baking dish. Top evenly with the cooked breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
  4. Place the baking dish back into the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and browned.

Nutrition

Calories: 680kcalCarbohydrates: 75.5gProtein: 50gFat: 20.5g

Notes

Air Fried Crispy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Tips & Expert Strategy

TEXTURE EXPECTATION: The bottom layer of pasta will remain highly crunchy while the top layer softens slightly under the sauce, providing a massive textural contrast.
DONT OVERCROWD: If you stack the pasta too high during the first air-fry stage, it will steam instead of fry, ruining the crunch. Work in batches if needed.
THE MELLOWING EFFECT: This dish is best eaten immediately for maximum crunch, but the flavors of the marinara and Italian seasoning actually deepen if left in the fridge overnight.
REHEATING PROTOCOL: Do not rely solely on the microwave for leftovers. Microwave for 60 seconds to warm the center, then finish in the air fryer for 3 minutes to bring back the crispiness of the chicken and pasta.

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