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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Tenderize chicken breasts by placing them between plastic wrap and flattening to uniform thickness using a meat mallet.
- Create three separate breading stations: first with seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan, second with beaten eggs, third with plain flour.
- Carefully coat each chicken breast by first dredging in flour, then dipping in eggs, and finally pressing into breadcrumb mixture to ensure complete coverage.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- 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.
- Remove chicken and set aside on a warm plate while preparing remaining components.
- 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.
- Using the same skillet, melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds.
- Stream heavy cream into the skillet, creating a gentle simmer, then incorporate Parmesan and Italian seasoning, whisking until achieving a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Season sauce with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Introduce cooked pasta into the cream sauce, thoroughly coating each strand and utilizing reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Arrange creamy pasta on serving plates, topping each portion with a crispy chicken breast.
- 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