Crispy Chicken With Creamy Pasta Recipe

Crispy Chicken with Dreamy Creamy Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this crispy chicken with creamy pasta recipe delivers pure comfort.

Golden-brown chicken cutlets create a delectable crunch that elevates the entire meal.

Tender pasta swirls catch every drop of rich, velvety sauce.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish a winner for busy home cooks.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Ingredients for Chicken with Creamy Pasta

Core Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that serves as the main component of the dish.
  • Pasta: Classic base that complements the crispy chicken and creates a satisfying meal.
  • Heavy Cream: Rich dairy product that provides a smooth and luxurious sauce texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Breadcrumbs, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Essential dry ingredients that create a flavorful and crispy chicken exterior.
  • Egg, Milk: Binding agents that help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Butter, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds the foundation of the creamy sauce.
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
  • Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps adjust the sauce consistency and adds extra flavor.

Steps for Crispy Chicken Pasta Dinners

Step 1: Prepare Tender Chicken Cutlets

Gently pound chicken breasts until they’re uniformly thick.

Whisk egg and milk in one bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Dunk each chicken piece into egg mixture, then thoroughly coat with seasoned breadcrumb blend.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame.

Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden and deliciously crisp.

Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.

Step 2: Boil Perfect Pasta

Cook pasta following package guidelines.

Before draining, carefully scoop out and reserve half a cup of pasta water.

Drain pasta completely.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until wonderfully aromatic.

Pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir continuously until sauce transforms into a silky smooth consistency.

Fold cooked pasta into sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve perfect sauce consistency.

Step 4: Assemble Mouthwatering Dish

Slice crispy chicken and arrange atop creamy pasta.

Serve immediately while everything remains hot and flavorful.

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken Every Time

  • Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to evenly flatten chicken breasts, ensuring uniform cooking and crispy texture.
  • Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crunchy coating that stays put during cooking.
  • Keep reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, helping it cling smoothly to noodles without becoming too thick or dry.
  • Cook garlic briefly to release flavor without burning, which can turn the sauce bitter and unpleasant.
  • Use medium heat when cooking chicken to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the breading.

Creamy Pasta Recipe Twists and Swaps

  • Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. Use cornstarch as a binding agent for coating chicken.
  • Dairy-Free Creamy Pasta: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
  • Vegetarian Protein Option: Replace chicken with breaded tofu or cauliflower steaks. Coat in same seasoning mix and bake until crispy.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Keep creamy sauce and crispy protein coating the same for a lighter meal.

Serving Ideas for Chicken and Pasta

  • Gourmet Dinner Plating: Arrange the crispy chicken atop a bed of creamy pasta, letting the golden-brown chicken contrast beautifully with the white sauce.
  • Herb Garnish Party: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over the dish for a burst of color and a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the flavor profile.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Serve with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, creamy pasta and crispy chicken.
  • Side Salad Companion: Add a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the main course and provide a refreshing contrast.

Storage Guidance for Pasta Leftovers

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep chicken and pasta separate to maintain crispiness.
  • Wrap chicken and pasta individually in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes. Reheat pasta separately in microwave with splash of milk to restore creaminess.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great! They’re often more flavorful and juicy. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

  • Is there a gluten-free alternative for breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! Use crushed gluten-free crackers, almond flour, or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs as a substitute. They’ll still give you that crispy coating.

  • How can I make the sauce lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version of the creamy sauce.

Crispy Chicken and Creamy Pasta, Why It’s Comforting

  • Savor Crunchy Perfection: The crispy chicken coating delivers a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire dish, making each bite a delightful texture experience.
  • Master a Restaurant-Quality Meal: This recipe brings gourmet flavors to your home kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that anyone can master.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Combining protein and pasta in one skillet, this meal comes together faster than ordering takeout, providing a delicious solution for busy families.
  • Customize with Ease: The recipe allows flexible ingredient swaps like different herbs, cheese types, or protein options, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences and pantry contents.
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Crispy Chicken With Creamy Pasta Recipe

Crispy Chicken With Creamy Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Crispy chicken meets creamy pasta in this irresistible culinary masterpiece that blends Italian comfort with crunchy textures. Delicate noodles and golden-brown chicken create a perfect harmony you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 egg

Coating and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Gently flatten chicken breasts to uniform thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring even cooking and tender texture.
  2. Create two separate preparation stations: whisk egg and milk in one bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in another.
  3. Dredge each chicken piece through egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat with seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F), cooking chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Transfer crispy chicken to a wire rack, letting excess oil drain and maintaining crispiness while preparing pasta.
  6. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions, reserving ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  7. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden, approximately 1 minute.
  8. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
  9. Incorporate cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  10. Slice crispy chicken and arrange over creamy pasta, serving immediately for optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

  • Flatten chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and crispy exterior throughout.
  • Use fresh breadcrumbs for maximum crunch and golden-brown color on chicken coating.
  • Adjust seasoning in breadcrumb mixture based on personal taste preferences, like adding dried herbs or red pepper flakes for extra kick.
  • Reserve pasta water is crucial for creating silky, perfectly textured sauce that clings beautifully to pasta.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 670 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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