Description
If you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta is the perfect dish. Juicy, golden-brown breaded chicken sits atop a bed of rich, velvety pasta coated in a garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. This dish is indulgent, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, with simple ingredient swaps, you can tailor it to fit your dietary needs. Perfect for a quick dinner, an elegant date night, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something delicious!
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Creamy Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for adjusting sauce consistency)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pat dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Bread the Chicken: Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside.
- Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Cheese & Seasonings: Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Combine the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let simmer for 1 minute to absorb the flavors.
- Assemble & Serve: Slice the crispy chicken into strips and place on top of the creamy pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes