Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta

Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food! This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta combines golden, juicy chicken breasts with a velvety, garlic Parmesan sauce, coating tender pasta for a truly dreamy meal. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this dish has layers of flavors and textures that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds. So, let’s dive in!

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Ingredients

This recipe is divided into two parts: the crispy chicken and the creamy pasta. Each component brings something unique to the table, making this dish a complete flavor experience.

For the Crispy Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The main star of the dish, providing juicy, flavorful bites.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs – Adds crunch to the chicken, creating that coveted crispy crust.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Brings a savory, nutty flavor and helps the coating stick to the chicken.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds a hint of flavor to complement the Parmesan.
• 1 tsp paprika – For a bit of color and subtle warmth.
• 2 eggs, beaten – The “glue” that holds the crispy coating onto the chicken.
• Salt and pepper – Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
• Olive oil – For frying the chicken to golden perfection.

For the Creamy Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work great) – The perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Adds richness and a creamy texture to the sauce.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Gives a rich, cheesy flavor to the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds depth and aroma, infusing the sauce with flavor.
• 2 tbsp butter – Adds a silky smooth texture and a touch of flavor.
• Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning the sauce perfectly.
• Fresh parsley – Optional, for a touch of color and a hint of freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

With these steps, you’ll create a dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal but is simple enough to make at home.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken 🍗

1. Season the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the Coatings: In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. The Parmesan and spices add great flavor to the crispy coating.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well-coated, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to help the breadcrumbs stick well to the chicken, giving it that extra crunch.

Tip: For an extra crispy coating, repeat the breading process by dipping the chicken back into the egg and breadcrumbs for a second layer.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken 🔥

1. Heat the Skillet: Add a generous drizzle of olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Let it warm up for a minute or two.
2. Fry the Chicken: Add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet, frying each side for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Set Aside: Transfer the crispy chicken breasts to a plate and cover them with foil to keep warm.

Tip: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain the oil’s temperature, which keeps the chicken crispy.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta 🍝

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the 8 oz of pasta according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water before draining, in case you need to adjust the sauce’s thickness later.
2. Drain and Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the creamy sauce.

Tip: Tossing the cooked pasta with a bit of olive oil prevents sticking if the sauce isn’t ready yet.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce 🧄🧈

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
2. Create the Sauce Base: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Stir gently, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
3. Add the Cheese and Seasoning: Gradually stir in ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until it melts completely. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce reaches a silky, creamy consistency.

Tip: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce 🍲

1. Add the Pasta: Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it’s fully coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if needed. A little extra salt, pepper, or Parmesan can go a long way here!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! 🍽️

1. Plate the Pasta: Serve the creamy pasta onto individual plates or a large serving dish.
2. Top with Crispy Chicken: Slice the crispy chicken breasts into strips (optional) and place them on top of the pasta for easy serving.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired, adding a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

1. Make It Extra Crispy: For even more crunch, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They give the chicken a lighter, airier crunch.
2. Add a Splash of White Wine: A splash of white wine in the sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and balances out the richness of the cream.
3. Change Up the Pasta: Fettuccine and penne work well, but other pasta shapes like farfalle or rigatoni are also fantastic with the creamy sauce.
4. Storage and Reheating: This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the pasta gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of this dish.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread to soak up any extra creamy sauce, adding even more deliciousness to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus, green beans, or broccoli complements the flavors and balances the richness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta is all about contrasting textures and rich flavors. The juicy chicken’s crunchy coating is perfectly complemented by the silky, garlicky pasta sauce, creating a satisfying dish that’s simple yet indulgent. It’s easy enough to make on a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve for special gatherings, especially with the versatility to adapt it to personal taste.

Health Benefits of Garlic, Parmesan, and Parsley 🌱

While this recipe is an indulgence, it also brings some nutritional benefits:

1. Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic is a flavorful and healthy addition that can support heart health and provide antioxidant benefits.
2. Parmesan Cheese: Rich in calcium and protein, Parmesan adds depth to the sauce without needing a large quantity.
3. Parsley: A source of vitamins A, C, and K, parsley brings a touch of freshness and color to this otherwise rich dish.

Final Thoughts 🍛

Whether you’re in the mood for something cozy or cooking for a crowd, this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta is a surefire hit. Each bite of golden chicken paired with the luscious pasta sauce is pure comfort food at its best. This recipe has just the right mix of flavors, textures, and richness to make it a memorable meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again. So grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!