Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta

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This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta is the ultimate comfort food combination—crispy, golden-brown chicken paired with a rich and velvety cream sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. The crispy chicken adds a satisfying crunch, while the creamy pasta brings warmth and indulgence to the dish. It’s an easy yet impressive meal for dinner parties or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)

For the Creamy Pasta:

  • 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti pasta
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crispy Chicken:

  • Set up the breading station: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
  • Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the seasoned flour mixture, coating both sides. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
  • Fry the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

2. Cook the Pasta:

  • While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water.

3. Make the Creamy Pasta Sauce:

  • In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.

4. Assemble the Dish:

  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss to coat. Ensure the pasta is well-covered with the sauce.
  • Slice the crispy chicken into strips or leave it whole, and place it on top of the creamy pasta.

5. Garnish and Serve:

  • Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with a light side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the creamy pasta.
  • A glass of crisp white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with this dish.

Helpful Tips:

  1. Crispiness: For even crispier chicken, you can double-dip the chicken in the flour and egg mixture for extra crunch.
  2. Pasta Variety: If you prefer a different type of pasta, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni will also work well with this creamy sauce.
  3. Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of heat if you enjoy spicy dishes.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

Note: Nutritional values are based on a serving size of one chicken breast and a portion of pasta with sauce.

  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Sodium: 850mg

Description:

Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta is a mouthwatering combination of crunchy chicken and a silky, flavorful cream sauce that wraps perfectly around your choice of pasta. It’s a rich, satisfying meal that’s both simple to prepare and indulgent in flavor, making it a go-to comfort food favorite for family dinners or special occasions. Whether served with classic fettuccine or another pasta, this dish will quickly become a new favorite!

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