Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe: Homestyle Comfort Magic

My grandmother’s cherished crispy chicken with creamy pasta recipe always sparked conversations around our dinner table.

Weekend cooking sessions transformed into delightful memories of shared laughter and delicious meals.

Crunchy golden chicken pieces nestled alongside silky, rich pasta create an irresistible combination that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Tender meat coated in a perfectly seasoned crisp exterior promises incredible texture in every single bite.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore this straightforward yet impressive dish that comes together effortlessly.

Home chefs can confidently craft this restaurant-quality meal with just a few simple ingredients.

She learned this technique from an Italian friend decades ago, making each preparation feel like a delicious connection to culinary traditions.

Prepare to savor an extraordinary dining experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Crispy Chicken With Creamy Pasta That Feels Like Comfort

• Quick and Easy Family Meal: Perfect weeknight dinner that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish everyone will love.
• Crispy Texture Guaranteed: Breading technique ensures golden-brown chicken with a satisfying crunch that adds exciting contrast to creamy pasta.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: One-skillet cooking method minimizes dirty dishes, making this recipe a dream for busy home cooks who want delicious food without extensive kitchen cleanup.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like using different herbs, cheese varieties, or protein types to match family preferences and pantry availability.

Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, providing a lean and tender base for the crispy coating. Select fresh, boneless, skinless breasts for best results.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Create a crunchy, flavorful exterior for the chicken. Opt for fine breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan for maximum texture.
• Flour: Helps the egg and breading stick to the chicken. All-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent for the breading. Fresh, room-temperature eggs provide better coating.

• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Add depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile. Use freshly ground black pepper for a more vibrant taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal notes to the creamy sauce. A pre-mixed blend offers convenient flavor.

• Pasta: The foundation of the creamy dish. Choose a shape that holds sauce well, like fettuccine or penne.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, luxurious sauce base. Full-fat cream ensures a silky texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps build the sauce. Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty note to both breading and sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.

• Olive Oil: Used for frying the chicken to golden perfection. Extra virgin olive oil offers the best flavor.
• Pasta Water: Helps adjust sauce consistency. Always reserve some before draining.
• Parsley: Optional fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of freshness.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Pasta in One Pan

Step 1: Tenderize Chicken Cutlets

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap sheets.

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten each piece until uniformly thin.

This helps the chicken cook evenly and become super tender.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Coating Stations

• Seasoned Breadcrumb Mix: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper
• Egg Wash: Whisk eggs until smooth
• Flour Station: Fill with plain flour

Step 3: Craft Perfectly Breaded Chicken

• First, coat in flour
• Next, dunk in egg wash
• Finally, press into seasoned breadcrumb mixture

Press coating gently to ensure it sticks completely.

Step 4: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place breaded chicken into hot pan.

Cook 4-5 minutes per side until exterior turns golden brown and interior reaches safe temperature.

Step 5: Boil Tender Pasta

Fill a large pot with water.

Add salt and bring to rolling boil.

Drop pasta and cook according to package instructions until perfectly al dente.

Save quarter cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 6: Whip Up Luxurious Cream Sauce

• Melt butter
• Sauté minced garlic briefly
• Pour in heavy cream
• Simmer gently
• Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper

Toss cooked pasta in sauce, using reserved water to adjust consistency.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Arrange creamy pasta on plates.

Top with crispy chicken.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Creamy Pasta Tips That Compliment Crispy Chicken Perfectly

• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin with steady, even pressure to pound chicken breasts uniformly, ensuring consistent cooking and crispy texture.
• Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, adherent coating that prevents falling off during cooking and maximizes crunchiness.
• Save some starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, helping it cling perfectly to noodles and creating a silky, smooth sauce.
• Maintain medium heat when cooking chicken to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the breading, using a thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.
• Whisk Parmesan cheese gradually into cream sauce to prevent clumping, creating a luxuriously creamy and well-integrated pasta coating.

Reheat Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta

• Store leftover chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Let the dishes reach room temperature before sealing and refrigerating to avoid condensation and potential sogginess.
• Keep creamy pasta in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum, ensuring it's covered tightly to prevent drying out.
• Warm chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness, and gently reheat pasta in a skillet with a splash of cream to revive its creamy texture.

Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Matches

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Wine and Chicken Pairing
• Uncork a crisp Chardonnay with balanced oak notes to complement the creamy pasta and enhance the chicken's richness. The wine's buttery undertones will match perfectly with the parmesan sauce.
• Create Refreshing Side Salad Companion
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to cut through the dish's richness. Fresh greens will provide a zesty contrast to the creamy pasta and crispy chicken, balancing the meal's heaviness.
• Design Herb-Infused Bread Accompaniment
• Prepare garlic and rosemary focaccia bread as a delightful side that echoes the Italian seasoning in the dish. Warm, crusty bread will soak up the creamy sauce and add textural variety to each bite.
• Select Perfect Sparkling Beverage Alternative
• Choose a crisp prosecco or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate between bites. The effervescence will help refresh your taste buds and prevent the meal from feeling too heavy.

Crispy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Updates

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or crushed gluten-free corn flakes for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Pasta Alternative: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the creamy sauce's flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese, and dairy-free butter alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Herb Chicken Variation: Add red pepper flakes to the breading mixture, incorporate fresh chopped herbs like basil or thyme into the breadcrumb coating for an extra flavor kick.

FAQs

• How do I get the chicken extra crispy?

The key is using a three-step breading process. Coat the chicken in flour first, then egg wash, and finally the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, crunchy coating.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great. Just ensure they reach the same internal temperature of 165°F/74°C and adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might be thicker or thinner than breasts.

• What if my sauce becomes too thick?

Use the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce. Add a little at a time and stir until you reach the desired consistency. The starchy pasta water helps the sauce stay creamy and smooth.

• Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich. For a lighter version, use milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.

Crispy Chicken With Creamy Pasta Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken with creamy pasta delivers a mouthwatering blend of textures and flavors that dance across your palate. Perfectly golden-brown chicken nestles atop silky noodles, promising a delightful dining experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, pounded to even thickness)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
• 1 cup heavy cream

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 34 tablespoons (510 milliliters) olive oil (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Transform chicken breasts into uniform thickness by gently pounding between plastic wrap layers using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
2. Create three strategic coating zones: one with seasoned breadcrumb mixture combining Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; another with whisked eggs; and the final zone with plain flour.
3. Meticulously coat each chicken piece by first dusting with flour, thoroughly dipping in beaten eggs, then generously rolling in seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage.
4. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, allowing the pan to reach optimal cooking heat.
5. Carefully introduce breaded chicken to the hot skillet, cooking each side until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
6. Remove perfectly cooked chicken and keep warm while preparing subsequent components.
7. Initiate pasta preparation by bringing generously salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
8. Submerge pasta and cook according to package guidance until reaching al dente consistency, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
9. Utilize the same skillet, wiping away excess oil, and melt butter over medium heat.
10. Introduce minced garlic, sautéing briefly until aromatic and translucent.
11. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, allowing a gentle simmer to develop.
12. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, whisking continuously to create a smooth, luxurious sauce.
13. Adjust sauce seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
14. Introduce cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, thoroughly coating each strand, utilizing reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency if needed.
15. Artfully plate creamy pasta, crowning each serving with a crispy chicken breast.
16. Optionally embellish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Pounding chicken evenly ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry or undercooked sections.
• Using a three-bowl breading technique creates a crispy, well-adhered coating that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to help the breading stick better and achieve maximum crispiness.
• Choose panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture that stays crisp longer.
• Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to promote even heat distribution.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking.
• Reserve pasta water helps create silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats pasta noodles.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 740
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg