Crispy Chicken & Creamy Pasta Recipe: A Dreamy Dinner Duo

Tucking into a delightful crispy chicken with creamy pasta feels like unwrapping a culinary treasure.

Crisp golden edges of perfectly seasoned chicken contrast against silky smooth pasta strands.

Weeknight meals can sparkle with unexpected magic when simple ingredients dance together.

Home cooks rarely anticipate how quickly this dish comes together.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and rich, comforting flavors.

Hungry diners will appreciate how minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction.

Let’s make something deliciously memorable that brings smiles around the dinner table.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need to bread the chicken?

You’ll need breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, flour, and eggs. These ingredients create a flavorful and crispy coating for the chicken.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F/74°C. The outside should be golden brown and crispy.

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or linguine. Choose a pasta that holds the creamy sauce well and complements the crispy chicken.

Crispy Chicken With Creamy Pasta To Satisfy Your Cravings

• Tackle Kitchen Challenges: Perfect for cooks looking to elevate their skills with a restaurant-quality dish that seems complicated but is actually straightforward to prepare.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines crispy chicken with creamy pasta, creating a universally loved meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, indulgent flavors.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Adaptable recipe that works for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes cleanup with a smart cooking approach that uses the same skillet for chicken and sauce, reducing dishwashing time and kitchen mess.

Ingredients Needed To Make Crispy Chicken With Creamy Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that serves as the main protein for this crispy dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a crunchy and flavorful coating for the chicken.
• Flour: Creates a base layer for the breading that helps the coating stick.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help the breading adhere to the chicken.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken coating.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a classic herb mixture to the creamy sauce.

• Pasta: The foundation of the creamy side dish.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth sauce base.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and creamy texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to both the breading and sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for frying the breaded chicken to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
• Pasta Water: Helps adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

• Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright finishing touch to the dish.

How To Cook Crispy Chicken With Creamy Pasta Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and place them between plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten them evenly.

• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix these ingredients in the first bowl. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.

Place flour in the third bowl. Dip each chicken breast first in flour, then egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot pan.

Cook each side until they turn golden brown and reach a safe internal temperature. The chicken should look crispy and delicious with a beautiful golden exterior.

Step 3: Boil The Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Add pasta and cook following package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Before draining, set aside some pasta water for later use.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Magic

In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Whisk in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce looks smooth and creamy.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine And Serve

Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, making sure every strand gets coated.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Place the pasta on plates and crown each serving with a crispy chicken breast.

Sprinkle some chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top for a final touch of deliciousness.

Pro Tips To Master Crispy Chicken With Creamy Pasta

• Use gentle, even strokes when pounding chicken breasts to ensure uniform thickness for consistent cooking and crispy texture.
• Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, adherent coating that guarantees maximum crunchiness when frying.
• Always reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy nature helps create silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats pasta noodles.
• Maintain medium heat while cooking chicken to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the breading or undercooking the meat.
• Whisk Parmesan cheese slowly into cream to prevent clumping and create a luxuriously smooth, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to pasta.

Flavorful Changes To Try With Crispy Chicken And Pasta

• Gluten-Free Chicken Pasta: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Pasta: Add diced jalapeños to breadcrumb mixture and mix red pepper flakes into the cream sauce for a fiery kick.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles and use cauliflower rice as a low-carbohydrate alternative to maintain the dish's creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Incorporate fresh chopped oregano, basil, and thyme into the breading mixture, and use feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions To Complement Crispy Chicken And Pasta

Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of the chicken.

Serve with roasted asparagus or a light mixed green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish’s heaviness and add fresh, bright flavors.

Add garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the crispy chicken.

Sprinkle fresh basil or additional chopped parsley over the dish to enhance the aromatic profile and bring a pop of color and freshness to the plate.

How To Store Crispy Chicken And Creamy Pasta Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and pasta to maintain their individual textures.
• Wrap chicken and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm pasta in a separate oven-safe dish with a splash of cream. Heat for 10-15 minutes until thoroughly warmed.

Crispy Chicken With Creamy Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken with creamy pasta promises a delightful culinary journey through rich flavors and comforting textures. Savory golden-brown chicken nestles perfectly against silky pasta, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible meal.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 large eggs

Chicken Coating:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) 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
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Tenderize chicken breasts by placing them between plastic wrap and flattening to uniform thickness using a meat mallet.
2. Create three separate breading stations: first with seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan, second with beaten eggs, third with plain flour.
3. Carefully coat each chicken breast by first dredging in flour, then dipping in eggs, and finally pressing into breadcrumb mixture to ensure complete coverage.
4. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
5. Gently place breaded chicken into the hot skillet, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Remove chicken and set aside on a warm plate while preparing remaining components.
7. Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until perfectly al dente, reserving 1/4 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
8. Using the same skillet, melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds.
9. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, creating a gentle simmer, then incorporate Parmesan and Italian seasoning, whisking until achieving a smooth, velvety consistency.
10. Season sauce with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
11. Introduce cooked pasta into the cream sauce, thoroughly coating each strand and utilizing reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
12. Arrange creamy pasta on serving plates, topping each portion with a crispy chicken breast.
13. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken carefully to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness, using gentle, consistent pressure when pounding.
• Create a crispy coating by pressing breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken, ensuring maximum adherence and crunch.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature, avoiding overcooking which can make the meat tough and dry.
• Add reserved pasta water gradually to sauce, controlling consistency and helping sauce cling perfectly to pasta.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg