Description
This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta recipe combines perfectly breaded and fried chicken breasts with a luscious, homemade creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with fettuccine pasta. The dish features flavorful, crispy chicken coated in a spiced breadcrumb mixture and served alongside rich pasta coated in a smooth garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an indulgent yet approachable meal perfect for dinner gatherings or a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crispy Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Creamy Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream for extra richness
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to keep the chicken warm after frying. Flatten the chicken breasts using a meat mallet to about ½-inch thickness for even cooking. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture combined with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Coat each chicken breast in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture ensuring an even coating.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and keep it warm in the oven while preparing the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Using the same skillet that cooked the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk or cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and dried parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 5-7 minutes, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired sauce consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the drained pasta in the creamy sauce, ensuring every strand is evenly coated. Plate the pasta, then top each serving with a crispy chicken breast. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Use heavy cream instead of whole milk for a richer sauce.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
- Reserved pasta water helps adjust the thickness of the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Fresh parsley can be added as a garnish for color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: crispy chicken, creamy pasta, chicken parmesan, fettuccine recipe, homemade creamy sauce, fried chicken breasts, Parmesan sauce
