Chicken parmesan pasta without the cheese works because the dish’s real appeal is crisp, seasoned chicken and a rich tomato sauce. Chicken thighs are coated in panko, nutritional yeast and herbs, pan-fried until golden, and served over penne in marinara boosted with garlic, red wine and fresh basil.
Flavor Where Cheese Used to Be
Nutritional yeast in the breading adds a savory, almost cheesy note. Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying so the coating sets and stays crisp. Simmer the marinara with fresh garlic and a splash of wine for depth, and add the chicken on top just before serving.
Kosher Notes
Classic chicken parmesan combines chicken and cheese, which kosher law doesn’t allow. This version is meat (fleishig) with no dairy. Use a kosher wine and check that your marinara is pareve.
Leftovers
Leftovers keep for 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven to keep it crisp.

Ingredients
What I use for this recipe
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Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for pasta. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set up breading station: flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with nutritional yeast, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and paprika in a third dish.
- Dredge each chicken thigh in flour, then egg, then seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help coating stick.
- Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add breaded chicken and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Transfer to a plate.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- In the same skillet used for chicken, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce and red wine if using. Bring to a simmer and cook 3-4 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Slice chicken into strips and arrange over pasta. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
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