This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta recipe combines juicy, golden-breaded chicken with a smooth, savory pasta sauce that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for family dinners or any special gathering, it’s a dish that’s sure to please!
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 (about 1 lb total)
- All-purpose flour: ½ cup
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (use panko for extra crunch)
- Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup, grated
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil: for frying (about ¼ cup)
For the Creamy Pasta:
- Pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, etc.): 12 oz
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish
Optional Ingredients:
- Red pepper flakes: for heat
- Spinach: 2 cups (fresh, added to sauce)
- Lemon juice: for a fresh kick
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Set up a breading station with flour in one dish, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a third.
- Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, and coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add breaded chicken breasts, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes to finish cooking and achieve extra crispiness.
- Cook the Pasta
- While chicken is in the oven, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired sauce consistency. If using, add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine and Serve
- Toss cooked pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Serve pasta on plates topped with crispy chicken. Garnish with parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Extra Crispy Chicken: Use panko breadcrumbs for the best crunch, and bake chicken after frying to ensure crispiness.
- Customize Your Pasta: Use any pasta variety you prefer, like whole wheat or gluten-free.
- Add Extra Veggies: Mix in steamed broccoli or peas to boost nutrition.
Serving Recommendations:
Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
Enjoy this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta—a deliciously satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
