If you have ever dreamed of the perfect comfort meal that combines crunchy, golden chicken with luscious, velvety pasta, look no further. This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe delivers on all fronts with its inviting textures and flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Each bite offers the satisfying crunch of breaded chicken paired with the rich, garlicky cream sauce clinging lovingly to your favorite pasta shape. It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for a weekend dinner but simple enough to whip up any night of the week—guaranteed to make everyone at the table ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen to create a harmony of flavor, texture, and color in your dish. From the crunchy panko breadcrumbs to the fragrant garlic and Parmesan, each component plays a crucial role in making this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe truly sing.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounded even for perfect crispiness and quick cooking.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick evenly to the chicken.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as the glue for the breading layer, ensuring maximum crunch.
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred): Panko gives extra crisp texture that’s irresistible.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth to the breading mixture.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Brings a warm, smoky note and color to the coating.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all other flavors in the chicken crust.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle hint of spice and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying): Provides a heart-healthy fat for golden browning.
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice): The creamy sauce clings perfectly to these shapes for luscious bites.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the garlic cream sauce base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with an aromatic punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the signature creamy texture that dresses the pasta.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Lightens and adds savory depth to the cream sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for cheesy tang and thickness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that rounds out the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To balance and brighten the final sauce.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Provides fresh color and a mild herbal note.
How to Make Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Begin by boiling your pasta until al dente according to the package directions. This timing is key because the pasta will finish cooking slightly when tossed in the sauce. Once done, drain and set aside while you prepare the star of the show: the crispy chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Chicken Coating
Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with the seasoned breadcrumbs—garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper mixed right in. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure each piece cooks evenly and crisps perfectly. Then, carefully coat each chicken breast in flour, dip into the egg, and press into the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Golden Crunch
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet, then add the breaded chicken breasts. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and keep delightfully crisp.
Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Garlic Pasta Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant—about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, and let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce is silky smooth and so flavorful your kitchen will smell like heaven.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce, then Add the Chicken
Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every strand or piece with the luscious sauce. Slice the crispy chicken breasts and arrange the slices on top of the creamy pasta bed, maximizing the satisfying contrast between crunchy and creamy textures.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley sprinkled over the top adds a pop of vibrant color and a mild herbal brightness that balances the richness. For an extra cheesy finish, grate additional Parmesan on just before serving—this little flourish turns your plate into a feast for the senses.
Side Dishes
Pair this decadent dish with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to add crunch and nutrition. Garlic bread is also a natural sidekick here, perfect for mopping up every last drop of that dreamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the sliced chicken arranged in a fan shape over the pasta for an elegant touch. For a family-style meal, tuck chicken slices throughout the pasta so every serving includes a perfect mix of creamy noodles and crunchy chicken. Consider sprinkling toasted pine nuts for added texture or a drizzle of good quality olive oil for richness and sheen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and pasta together or separately to help maintain the chicken’s crispness if you want. The sauce may thicken as it cools but loosens nicely when reheated.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, though the chicken might lose some of its crisp texture after thawing. For best results, freeze the pasta with sauce and store the cooked chicken separately in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat pasta and sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Warm the chicken separately in a skillet or oven to help restore some crispness before plating. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni work wonderfully because their shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Choose your favorite pasta to personalize the dish to your liking.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, canned coconut milk can be an interesting twist.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs is key—they create a lighter, crunchier crust than regular breadcrumbs. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispiness.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions, and be sure to use gluten-free pasta. The taste and texture will still be delightful!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The pasta and sauce can be made ahead and reheated, and the chicken can be cooked fresh or preserved separately. Just keep components stored properly for best texture the next day.
Final Thoughts
There is something so gratifying about the combination of crunchy golden chicken paired with creamy, garlicky pasta, and this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe nails it perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish brings warmth and comfort with every forkful. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta recipe features tender breaded chicken breasts fried to golden perfection and served atop a luscious creamy garlic Parmesan pasta. The dish combines crunchy textures with rich, flavorful sauce for a satisfying American main course perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the chicken.
- Prepare Breading Stations: In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour, beaten egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs. To the breadcrumbs, stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Pound Chicken: Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bread Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Fry Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce in the skillet and toss until the noodles are well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Slice the crispy chicken breasts and arrange on top of the creamy pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For additional flavor, incorporate some fresh lemon zest into the cream sauce or toss in a handful of baby spinach for extra greens.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
