If you are craving a comforting yet impressive meal, look no further than this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe. It brings together perfectly golden, crunchy chicken breasts paired with a luscious, garlicky Parmesan sauce enveloping tender pasta. Each bite is a delightful experience of crispy texture and velvety richness that feels like a restaurant-quality dish made right in your own kitchen. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients into something wonderfully special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the irresistible flavors and textures of this dish. From the crunchy panko coating on the chicken to the creamy Parmesan sauce clinging to every strand of pasta, everything works together in perfect harmony.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded evenly to ensure they cook through and stay juicy.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular): For that all-important crispy and golden crust.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the chicken coating and the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the chicken’s flavor with a subtle, savory touch.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides a mild smoky note and beautiful color to the coating.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Brings out all the flavors in the chicken and pasta.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick to balance the richness.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere perfectly to the chicken.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: The first step in the breading process to create that perfect crispy shell.
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil: For frying the chicken to a golden, irresistible crispiness.
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti): The comforting base that soaks up the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Provides richness and flavor to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory goodness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret behind the sauce’s silky, luscious texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Makes the sauce irresistibly cheesy and smooth.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds an herbal depth that brightens the sauce perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential final seasoning touches for balance.
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional): Used to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness.
How to Make Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness — this is key for cooking them evenly and keeping them juicy. Set up your breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and the breadcrumb mixture made from panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each breast in flour first, dip into eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the coating is generous and sticks well for that ideal crispy crust.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat your olive oil over medium heat and add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook them 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be crispy on the outside but tender and moist inside. Once done, transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your preferred pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining — this will help loosen the sauce if needed later.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, then sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If the sauce feels too thick, whisk in a little reserved pasta water until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Toss the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, coating each strand thoroughly in that creamy Parmesan goodness. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor and silky texture.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
Slice the crispy chicken breasts and serve them on top of or alongside the creamy Parmesan pasta. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and freshness. Now you are ready to indulge in this perfect blend of crunchy and creamy magic!
How to Serve Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley is ideal to brighten the dish visually and add a subtle herbal touch. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan on top for cheesiness that looks and tastes irresistible.
Side Dishes
This meal is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables creates a lovely balance. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also wonderful for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, try serving the chicken sliced over the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley on top. Or, plate the pasta nest-style on plates and lean the crispy chicken breasts on top like little golden crowns. These small touches make an everyday meal feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy pasta tends to thicken after chilling, so a little reheating with extra cream or milk will bring it back to life.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately to maintain their textures better. Place each in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. For the chicken, reheat in a hot skillet or oven to help restore some crispness to the breading.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce?
Absolutely! While Parmesan brings a classic flavor and great melting quality, you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or even Asiago for a slightly different twist.
Is there a way to make the chicken healthier?
You can bake the breaded chicken breasts in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes instead of frying. This reduces oil usage but still gives a nice crisp coating if you spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all work wonderfully since they hold onto the creamy sauce well. Pick whichever pasta shape you prefer or have on hand!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To keep the creamy Parmesan pasta but skip the meat, simply serve it with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or crispy tofu as a delicious alternative to the chicken.
How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Cook the sauce gently and avoid boiling it after adding the cream and cheese. Stirring constantly over medium heat will help the sauce stay smooth and velvety.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is one of those beautiful dishes that feels like a special treat but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Its combination of textures and flavors is pure comfort food bliss. I encourage you to give it a try, whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress friends and family. Once you do, this recipe will likely become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation!
Print
Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta recipe features juicy, breaded chicken breasts pan-fried to perfection and served alongside rich and velvety garlic Parmesan pasta. A comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any weeknight dinner, combining a crunchy protein with a luscious, creamy sauce and tender pasta.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Prepare three bowls: bowl one with flour, bowl two with beaten eggs, and bowl three with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm while preparing the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the creamy sauce and toss to coat evenly. Allow the pasta to heat through together with the sauce for a minute to blend the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the crispy chicken breasts. Garnish with chopped parsley to add freshness and color. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy inside.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta better.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
