Enjoy a deliciously crispy chicken breast served alongside rich and creamy Parmesan pasta with a fresh Caesar salad. This easy yet indulgent meal is perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with rich, creamy pasta and a fresh Caesar salad.
- A restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home.
- Perfectly balanced textures and flavors in every bite.
- Customizable with different pasta types or seasoning variations.
- Great for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 250g (9 oz) spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra depth)
- ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
For the Caesar Salad:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup croutons
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch thick).
- In three separate bowls, set up a dredging station:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour (shaking off excess), dip into the eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
3. Assemble the Caesar Salad:
- Toss chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing.
- Top with grated Parmesan, croutons, and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Serve:
- Slice the crispy chicken and place it alongside the creamy pasta.
- Garnish the pasta with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve with the Caesar salad on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 2-3
- Calories: ~700 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or cayenne to the chicken seasoning.
- Extra Cheesy: Use more Parmesan or add mozzarella for an extra creamy pasta.
- Lighter Option: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Different Greens: Swap romaine with kale or mixed greens for a twist on the salad.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour, breadcrumbs, and pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep it crispy. Reheat pasta on the stove with a splash of cream or milk.
- Freezing: Not recommended for the pasta or salad, but you can freeze the fried chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Spaghetti and fettuccine are great choices, but penne or linguine also work well.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy.
How can I make the pasta sauce thicker?
Let the sauce simmer a bit longer or add more Parmesan cheese.
Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a richer flavor, but pre-grated can be used in a pinch.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, air-fry the chicken, and lighten the sauce with milk instead of cream.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to a day before frying.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are good choices with high smoke points.
Can I make my own Caesar dressing?
Absolutely! Blend mayo, garlic, lemon juice, anchovies, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan for a homemade version.
What sides go well with this meal?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple bruschetta make great additions.
Conclusion
This crispy chicken with creamy Parmesan pasta and Caesar salad is the perfect meal for comfort food lovers. The crispy chicken pairs beautifully with the rich, velvety pasta, while the fresh Caesar salad adds the perfect balance. Try this recipe for a satisfying and delicious dinner!
Print
Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta and Caesar Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy crispy chicken breast with creamy Parmesan pasta and fresh Caesar salad—an easy yet indulgent meal for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 250g (9 oz) spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
For the Caesar Salad:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup croutons
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Crispy Chicken:
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness (about ½ inch thick).
- Set up three bowls for dredging:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken in flour, dip into eggs, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat oil over medium-high heat and fry chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
2. Cook the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water for a smooth sauce.
3. Assemble the Caesar Salad:
- Toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing.
- Top with Parmesan, croutons, and black pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying & Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
