There is something irresistibly comforting about this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe—a perfect harmony of crunchy golden chicken and luscious, velvety pasta that simply melts in your mouth. The crispy coating on the chicken gives that delightful crunch, while the creamy Parmesan pasta brings a richness that ties everything together beautifully. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers familiar flavors with an elevated touch that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe starts with simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Every component, from the crispy breadcrumb coating to the creamy Parmesan sauce, contributes to a dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect tender meat base that crisps up beautifully when coated and fried.
- Breadcrumbs: Provides the essential crunchy crust for the chicken.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth to both the chicken coating and the sauce.
- Garlic powder and paprika: Bring warmth and a subtle smoky note to the chicken.
- Eggs: Help the breadcrumb mixture stick perfectly to the chicken breasts.
- Olive oil: For frying, creating that irresistible golden crisp on the chicken.
- Pasta (penne or fettuccine): A great choice for catching the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Heavy cream: Forms the rich, silky base of the sauce that clings to every pasta strand.
- Fresh garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor.
- Butter: Adds creaminess and a subtle nuttiness when sautéing the garlic.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all the components’ natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top that adds fresh color and brightness to the plate.
How to Make Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Set up a double-dipping station with one bowl holding beaten eggs and another with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. This seasoned coating is the secret to that perfect crunch and savory bite.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast first into the eggs to moisten, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. This process ensures every inch of the chicken is enveloped in a crispy, cheesy crust that will cook up golden and mouthwateringly crisp.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then fry the coated chicken breasts for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they reach a deep golden color and are cooked through. The oil temperature is key: hot enough to crisp but not so hot to burn. Once done, set the chicken aside and keep warm so it stays juicy and ready to serve.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well—that way, it won’t dilute your creamy sauce later. Penne or fettuccine are fantastic choices since their shapes catch the sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet (no need for extra dishes, life-saver), melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Then pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Give the sauce a few moments to thicken into a wonderfully smooth consistency that will hug your pasta perfectly.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss it in the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring every piece is coated in that luscious, cheesy goodness. This step turns simple noodles into a rich, flavorful base that will balance the crispy chicken beautifully.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Plate a generous portion of the creamy pasta, then lay your crispy chicken breast on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an optional extra dusting of Parmesan. The wonderful contrast between the crunchy chicken and smooth pasta will have you coming back for more each time.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must for adding a pop of green that brightens the plate visually and adds a subtle, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish. A little extra grated Parmesan sprinkled on top adds that final cheesy flourish, making the presentation feel really special.
Side Dishes
For sides, think light and fresh to complement the richness—simple steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans, a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or even some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce. These choices bring balance to the meal, keeping it fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party touch, slice the crispy chicken and fan it over the pasta on a large serving platter for a beautiful shared dish. Or serve the chicken whole on individual plates with the pasta elegantly twirled alongside. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving adds a gourmet finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their textures. This will keep the chicken crispy longer and prevent the pasta from soaking up too much sauce and becoming mushy.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly to preserve their crispness. Thaw them carefully in the fridge and reheat gently. The pasta with sauce doesn’t freeze as well because the cream can separate upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to restore the crispy texture instead of the microwave, which can make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan gives that classic nutty, salty flavor, you can experiment with Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite or Asiago for a creamier taste. Just keep the cheese finely grated so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a great alternative for a lighter version. Coat the chicken as usual, place it on a greased baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne and fettuccine are the favorites because they grip the creamy Parmesan sauce well. You could also try rigatoni or farfalle for variety. Avoid very thin pastas like angel hair, as they don’t hold the sauce as effectively.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Making it dairy-free takes a little creativity. Using a dairy-free cream substitute and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan can work, but the flavor and texture won’t be quite the same. You might want to experiment with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives to find the best fit.
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
For even crispier chicken, try adding a bit of crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs to your coating mix. Also, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan, so the chicken fries evenly and develops that perfect crust.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is a true winner for anyone who loves the comforting taste of crispy, golden-brown chicken combined with rich, indulgent pasta. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with friends and family. Give it a try, and I promise this dish will become one of your favorite go-to meals that everyone raves about!
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Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta recipe combines golden, pan-fried chicken breasts with rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce tossed with tender pasta. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant dinner that’s quick to prepare in about 35 minutes, serving 4 people.
Ingredients
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
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. In one bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika to create the breading mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage, then press into the breadcrumb mixture so each piece is well coated on all sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated chicken breasts for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for frying chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, then simmer gently for about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat all pasta strands evenly with the rich sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta first, then top each serving with a crispy chicken breast. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, pat chicken breasts dry before coating.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Use penne or fettuccine pasta as recommended, but other pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle also work well.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
