Description
Chicken Bellagio is a delicious Italian-American dish featuring crispy breaded chicken breasts served over angel hair pasta tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce, topped with fresh arugula and prosciutto slices. This hearty and flavorful meal combines crunchy textures with rich, silky sauce, making it perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Assembly and Garnish
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- Prosciutto slices (about 4)
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Flatten each chicken breast to an even thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to adhere the coating well.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep simmering for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Assemble the dish: Divide the creamy pasta among four plates. Top each plate with a handful of fresh arugula, a cooked breaded chicken breast, and one slice of prosciutto.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley over the top of each plate. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, you can finish cooking the breaded cutlets in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes after pan-frying.
- Substitute pancetta for prosciutto if desired.
- Spinach can be used instead of arugula for a milder green topping.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Angel hair pasta is preferred for its delicate texture, but thin spaghetti can be a good alternative.