When the house shifts from feeding a crowd to just feeding two, the kitchen feels different. The freezer isn’t stocked with as many snacks, and dinner doesn’t need to stretch quite so far. That’s what I started my Empty Nester Dinner Ideas Series, and this easy chicken parm recipe is perfect if that sounds like you!
Chicken Parmesan is one of those dishes that usually feels like an undertaking—breading, frying, and managing a mess of pans. This shortcut version takes all the familiar comfort and pares it down. With prepared chicken scaloppini from the Whole Foods deli, Rao’s jarred sauce, and pre-sliced mozzarella, you’ll have dinner that feels special in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 package prepared chicken scaloppini from Whole Foods deli (already cooked and breaded, iIordered 3)
- 1 jar Rao’s Spaghetti Sauce (or Marinara)
- 6–8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
- Salt, pepper to taste
- 1 package linguine (or your favorite pasta)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Spread a generous layer of Rao’s sauce across the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the chicken scaloppini in a single layer over the sauce.
- Spoon a little extra sauce over each piece of chicken, then top with mozzarella slices and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. You can broil at the end too!
- While the chicken bakes, cook linguine in salted water according to package directions. Drain and toss with a little butter or olive oil.
- Serve chicken and sauce over the pasta, garnished with fresh basil.
The beauty of empty nester meals like this easy chicken parm recipe is that a little goes a long way. If you have leftovers, slice the chicken, tuck it into a crusty baguette, and spoon on leftover sauce. Add a slice of mozzarella and you’ve got instant chicken parm subs for lunch the next day.
Cooking for fewer people means you don’t need every gadget crowding your cabinets. I’ve rounded up the tools we actually use in our kitchen and weeded out the rest. You can find my list of Empty Nester Kitchen Finds here. These are the pieces that make weeknight shortcuts easier without taking over precious space.
If you’re looking for more ideas like this—quick dinners, practical finds, and the things that actually earn their spot in your kitchen—make sure you’re following along!