Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs (Panko works best for extra crispiness)
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3–4 tbsp olive oil or butter for frying
For the Creamy Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup (120ml) reserved pasta water (if needed)
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create two thinner pieces. Pound them lightly to an even thickness.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour, seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip into the egg, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to adhere.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the breaded chicken pieces for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
3. Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until well coated.
- Serve the pasta on plates or a large platter, topped with crispy chicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Enjoy your Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta, a dish that’s equal parts crispy, creamy, and comforting! 🍝🍗