Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers the ultimate comfort food experience with its crispy chicken and creamy pasta. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, while the pasta is enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. The addition of garlic and Parmesan elevates the flavor, making each bite a mouthwatering experience. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish that’s easy to make and sure to please anyone at the dinner table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.) For the Crispy Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
For the Creamy Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Mix in the Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the crispy chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for an elegant finish.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce for a bit of heat.
- Chicken Variations: You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will result in a juicier, more flavorful dish.
2. Can I use dairy-free cream for the pasta sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
3. How can I make the pasta more flavorful?
To add more flavor to the pasta, consider seasoning the water with salt before boiling or adding a bit of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the sauce.
4. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. This will reduce the amount of oil used.
5. Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?
Yes, you can use other pasta types like spaghetti, rigatoni, or farfalle, depending on your preference.
6. Can I make the creamy pasta ahead of time?
While it’s best to make the creamy pasta fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
7. Can I freeze the creamy pasta?
It’s not ideal to freeze the creamy pasta, as the sauce may separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and reheat it later.
8. How can I make the pasta sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer longer or add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan cheese to thicken it up.
9. Can I use pre-breaded chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-breaded chicken, but homemade breadcrumbs and seasoning will give the dish more flavor.
10. Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta is an indulgent yet simple dish that brings together crispy, golden chicken and a rich, creamy pasta. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please. With its delightful textures and bold flavors, it’s bound to become a family favorite!
Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Frying, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining perfectly crispy chicken breasts with a rich, velvety pasta in a creamy Parmesan sauce. This indulgent yet easy-to-make dish is sure to impress anyone at the dinner table, making it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
For the Creamy Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Mix in the Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the crispy chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Variations:
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce for a spicy twist.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
- Storage and Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
