Description
This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy, golden-brown chicken is paired with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. A quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in eggs, and coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F or 74°C internal temperature).
- Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, whisking until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat.
- Serve topped with the crispy chicken breasts.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Lighten it Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Side Suggestions: Pair with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American