If you’re craving a dish that combines the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken with the rich, velvety comfort of a creamy pasta sauce, you’re in for a real treat. This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe hits all the right notes, blending crispy, golden chicken breasts with luscious, cheesy pasta that’s bursting with flavor. It’s warm, inviting, and just the kind of meal you want to share with family or friends on any occasion. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe truly starts with simple, everyday ingredients that come together in harmony. Each element plays its part — from the crunchy breadcrumb coating to the silky parmesan cream sauce — creating a balanced dish full of texture and depth.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and perfect crispy coating adherence.
- Breadcrumbs: Adds that irresistible crunch to the chicken.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Mixed into the breadcrumbs and sauce for that signature cheesy flavor.
- Garlic powder and paprika: Spice and depth for the breadcrumb mix.
- Eggs: Acts as a glue to make the coating stick beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create an even, crispy crust.
- Olive oil: For a golden, flavorful pan-fry and sauté.
- Pasta: Penne or fettuccine hold the creamy sauce well.
- Heavy cream: Creates the rich, smooth texture of the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds subtle savory notes and thins the sauce just right.
- Minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth to the creamy pasta.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste for balance.
- Fresh parsley: A vibrant garnish to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Set up your dredging station with flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika in the third. Coat each chicken breast first in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mix. Heat olive oil in a skillet and pan-fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until cooked through. This method gives you that perfect crispy texture on the outside while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Pasta
While the chicken bakes, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant, about a minute. Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer until it reduces by half, concentrating the flavor. Next, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and rich. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the cooked pasta, letting each piece soak up that luscious, cheesy goodness. The cream sauce clings perfectly to each strand or tube of pasta, making every bite irresistible.
Step 3: Assemble & Serve
Slice your crispy chicken breasts into strips, then place them over a generous bed of the creamy Parmesan pasta. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and herbal brightness. This final step brings everything together, making for a dish that looks as incredible as it tastes.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even some extra grated Parmesan cheese right before serving adds a beautiful presentation and fresh aroma. A tiny drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish further if you want a subtle tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish is already a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green side salad or lightly roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli can provide a nice balance of textures and flavors. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic for mopping up any leftover creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the sliced chicken fanned out on top of the pasta, or arrange everything in individual bowls for a cozy, family-style dinner. For a bit of elegance, garnish with edible flowers or finely chopped chives. Presentation makes the meal feel extra special and welcoming.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep the chicken and pasta together to preserve those delicious flavors melding overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the chicken crust may soften upon thawing, but the overall flavors hold beautifully.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking. A splash of cream or broth added while reheating helps to revive the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan cheese gives this dish its classic flavor, you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different but just as delicious twist.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne and fettuccine are ideal because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta type. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to bake instead of pan-frying the chicken?
You can bake the chicken entirely for a lighter option, but the pan-frying step is key to achieving that crave-worthy crispy crust before finishing it in the oven.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap the breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour for gluten-free alternatives, and choose gluten-free pasta. This way, the dish remains just as tasty and inclusive.
Can I prepare the pasta sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce in advance and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta. Fresh pasta toss is best for optimal texture.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is one of those comforting, soul-satisfying meals you’ll want to make again and again. The combination of crispy chicken and rich, velvety pasta is simply unbeatable. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen—guaranteed to impress both your family and friends with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
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 combines tender, golden-brown breaded chicken breasts with a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The dish is finished with fresh parsley for a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Creamy Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crispy Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika. Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each breaded chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the fried chicken breasts to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer until it reduces by half.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss gently until well coated.
- Assemble and Serve: Slice the crispy chicken breasts into strips. Serve the sliced chicken over the creamy pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it lighter.
- Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- The chicken can be cooked completely in the skillet, but baking ensures it cooks through without burning the crust.
- Freshly grated Parmesan gives a better flavor than pre-grated.
