Savor the delightful combination of tender, golden-brown crispy chicken paired with a luscious, creamy pasta sauce. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Creamy Combination – The perfect balance of crunchy chicken and rich pasta sauce.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps make this an ideal dish for home cooks.
- Customizable – Use different pasta shapes or add vegetables for variety.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for casual meals or fancy dinners.
- Family-Friendly – A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 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
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
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, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken (wipe out excess oil if necessary), melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, whisking until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Serve:
- Plate the creamy pasta and top each serving with a crispy chicken breast.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 650 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes to the pasta sauce for extra heat.
- Cheesy Delight – Mix in shredded mozzarella for an even cheesier sauce.
- Herb Infusion – Use fresh basil or thyme for an aromatic twist.
- Lighter Version – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter dish.
- Veggie Boost – Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work well but may take slightly longer to cook due to their higher fat content.
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
Double-coat the chicken by dipping it in the egg and breadcrumbs twice before frying.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
What’s the best way to pound chicken evenly?
Use a rolling pin or meat mallet and place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, storing them separately until ready to serve.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep the heat on low when adding the cheese and stir continuously for a smooth consistency.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers make great additions.
What can I serve as a side dish?
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.
Conclusion
Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make meal that combines crunchy, flavorful chicken with a rich, velvety sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Try out the variations and enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home!
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Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy Lovely Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta—golden-brown breaded chicken served over rich, cheesy penne for the perfect comfort meal!
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 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
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
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, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken (wipe out excess oil if necessary), melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, whisking until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Serve:
- Plate the creamy pasta and top each serving with a crispy chicken breast.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- American Comfort Classic: Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta is a beloved dish in the USA, often found in popular chain restaurants and home kitchens alike. Its perfect blend of crunchy, golden-brown chicken and rich, cheesy pasta makes it a go-to comfort meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether served for a cozy family dinner, a special gathering, or a quick weeknight meal, Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta offers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that everyone loves.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta