Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe

If you are craving a comforting yet elevated dinner option, this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe is everything you need and more. Imagine perfectly golden, crunchy chicken breasts nestled on a bed of luscious, velvety pasta coated in a dreamy Parmesan cream sauce that hugs every bite. This dish balances satisfying textures and rich flavors in such a way that it feels both indulgent and utterly approachable. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the crispy crust on the chicken to the creamy sauce that brings everything together with a rich, savory finish.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness): Ensures even cooking and a tender bite.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick to the chicken for extra crunch.
• 1 egg (beaten): Acts as a glue between the flour and breadcrumb mixture.
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs: Gives the chicken its irresistible crispiness.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating): Adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the breading.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a subtle garlicky warmth to the crust.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides a mild smoky undertone and beautiful color.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all flavors together.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection.
• 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta: The creamy sauce clings beautifully to these shapes.
• 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the garlic.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, dreamy texture of the pasta sauce.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly and adds savory seasoning.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce): Melts into the sauce for cheesy goodness.
• Chopped parsley for garnish: Offers a fresh pop of color and flavor on the finished dish.

How to Make Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente—just firm enough to hold up to the sauce without turning mushy. Once done, save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid will be your secret weapon for loosening the sauce if it gets too thick later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

Create three shallow bowls: one with the all-purpose flour, the second holding the beaten egg, and the third combining panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This setup makes it easy to coat each chicken breast evenly, achieving the texture we love in this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Take each chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten egg, making sure it’s completely coated, and then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so the crust sticks well. This triple coating gives you that satisfying crunch every time.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and when shimmering, add your breaded chicken breasts. Cook them for about four to five minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest—this helps keep it juicy and tender inside.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce and Toss Pasta

In the same skillet, melt the butter and quickly sauté the minced garlic for about thirty seconds, releasing that fragrant aroma. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, gently stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt fully and turn the sauce irresistibly creamy.

Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the cream sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve the Dish

Slice the crispy chicken into strips and arrange them on top of the creamy pasta. A sprinkle of chopped parsley over the top not only brightens the dish but also adds a delightful fresh note.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of chopped parsley is a classic garnish that adds fresh color and a mild herbal lift to the dish. For extra flavor and a touch of elegance, consider a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. These little additions turn a beautiful meal into a stunning one.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf is also a great side to soak up any leftover sauce, making every bite even more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve the pasta twirled neatly with tongs into individual nests on the plates before arranging the chicken slices on top. This looks restaurant-worthy and adds a polished touch. Alternatively, layering everything in a wide, shallow bowl emphasizes the dish’s comforting, family-style charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken and pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep the chicken separate from the pasta if possible to maintain the crispiness of the coating. This way, reheat them cautiously to enjoy the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. However, the crispy chicken may lose some of its crunch after thawing, so consider freezing the chicken and pasta separately if you want to re-crisp the chicken later.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. For the chicken, reheating in a warm oven on a wire rack helps restore some of that crisp crust without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and flavor, but be sure to pound them to an even thickness for even cooking and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is there a lighter version of this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to lighten the sauce. Just keep in mind the sauce may be less rich but still delicious and satisfying.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms are excellent additions to the creamy pasta sauce, adding both color and nutritional value.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine or penne are great choices as they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. You could also experiment with rigatoni or farfalle depending on your preference.

How do I get the chicken extra crispy?

Using panko breadcrumbs and ensuring the oil is hot enough before frying helps achieve that perfect golden crunch. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan, so the chicken fries evenly without steaming.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels both comforting and indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that effortlessly combines crispy, tender chicken with a rich, dreamy pasta sauce. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy every decadent bite as much as I do when sharing it with friends and family.

Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Kid-Friendly

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Description

This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta recipe features golden, parmesan-crusted chicken breasts served atop tender fettuccine or penne pasta coated in a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce. Perfectly balanced with garlic, Parmesan, and subtle spices, this Italian-American dish is both comforting and elegant for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.

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Ingredients

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For the Crispy Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Pasta

• 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the cooked pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Breading Station: In three shallow bowls, place the flour in one, beaten egg in the second, and in the third combine panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This setup allows for an easy dredging process to achieve a crispy coating on the chicken.
3. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the beaten egg to fully coat, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to cover evenly. Set aside the breaded chicken breasts.
4. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Add Cheese and Combine Pasta: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
7. Serve: Slice the rested crispy chicken breasts and place them atop the creamy pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Notes

• For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
• Add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for extra depth and flavor.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or warm garlic bread.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American