If you’re looking to impress your family or friends with a meal that perfectly balances crunchy, juicy chicken with the luxurious comfort of pasta, you’re in for a real treat. Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta is everything you crave when you need a dish that combines classic flavors in the most delightful way. Imagine perfectly golden, well-seasoned chicken nestled on a bed of flavorful, saucy fettuccine (or penne if you prefer), finished with a sprinkle of vibrant parsley. It’s satisfying, crave-worthy, and special enough for celebrations, yet totally doable on a weeknight. This is the kind of homestyle cooking that wins over everyone at the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing more comforting than gathering up simple, high-quality ingredients and transforming them into something extraordinary. Each item in this dish has a purpose—enhancing flavor, adding necessary crunch, or swirling into that luscious, creamy sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts for a hearty, tender bite—just make sure to pound them evenly for perfect cooking.
- Buttermilk: This tangy marinade works wonders to keep the chicken juicy and helps the coating stick beautifully.
- Bread crumbs (panko): Choose panko for irresistibly crisp chicken, but regular breadcrumbs will work too if you have them on hand.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a touch of nutty richness to both the chicken crust and the creamy pasta sauce.
- Garlic powder & fresh garlic: Together, these give both the chicken and the sauce layers of flavor and a scrumptious aroma.
- Paprika: A pinch of this adds gentle warmth and a subtle golden hue to the chicken coating.
- Salt and black pepper: Absolute essentials to elevate every other ingredient.
- Olive oil: For pan-frying the chicken to crispy perfection while keeping things heart-healthy.
- Pasta (fettuccine or penne): Either shape holds the sauce gorgeously—choose your favorite or go with what’s in your pantry.
- Butter: Lends richness to the creamy sauce and helps carry the aromatics through every bite.
- Heavy cream: The star that creates a luxuriously smooth, velvety pasta sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- Italian seasoning: A little sprinkle ties all the flavors together and nods to those classic Italian-inspired vibes.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a pop of color and fresh, herby finish to your plate.
How to Make Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken
First things first, lay those chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap and give them a few gentle pounds with a rolling pin or meat mallet to ensure even thickness. This matters for both tenderness and even cooking. Pop the pounded chicken into a bowl and cover with tangy buttermilk, making sure each piece is well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator; if you have extra time, let it sit overnight! The result? Extra juicy, flavorful chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Coating
In a shallow dish, mix together those crunchy panko breadcrumbs, a generous scoop of grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This blend delivers a golden, flavor-packed crust that you’ll want to snack on all by itself! Remove your chicken from the buttermilk, dredge each piece in the breading mixture, and really press it on—this gives that signature crunch in every bite.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Crispy Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your chicken breasts in batches if needed—don’t crowd the pan. Let them sizzle for about 4–5 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through (juices should run clear if you’re checking). Move them to a plate and keep warm; the crispy coating at this stage is simply irresistible!
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooling off, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your pasta of choice and cook according to package directions, aiming for that perfect al dente bite. Reserve a splash of pasta water before draining (it can help thin the sauce later if needed), then set aside. The pasta is the silky bed for your Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta—get excited!
Step 5: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic, letting it cook just until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir until it comes to a gentle simmer. Toss in more Parmesan and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, whisking until the sauce is smooth and luscious. Finish with salt and pepper to taste. If your sauce gets too thick, loosen it up with that reserved pasta water.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Gently toss your hot, drained pasta in the creamy sauce until every strand or shape is gleaming. Pile the pasta onto plates, top with slices of your golden, crispy chicken, and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. There you have it—the true magic of Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta, ready to wow your taste buds!
How to Serve Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta
Garnishes
A bright shower of chopped parsley makes this dish pop, while a little extra Parmesan grated right before serving adds irresistible aroma and flavor. If you love a hit of freshness, try a squeeze of lemon or some finely grated lemon zest on top—your taste buds will thank you!
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or simply roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition. Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is always welcome to mop up every bit of that dreamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this into a dazzling family-style presentation by slicing the crispy chicken and fanning it over a large platter of creamy pasta, garnished generously with herbs. For a dinner party, serve individual portions with a twist of pasta, a few slices of chicken, and a sprinkle of microgreens for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (which is rare, because it’s just that good), store the chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps the chicken stay crisp and keeps the pasta from absorbing too much sauce. Everything will stay delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For best results, freeze only the cooked chicken. Once crisped and cooled, wrap each piece tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap and store in a freezer bag. The creamy pasta sauce doesn’t freeze as successfully, but you can prepare fresh sauce and pasta to go with your reheated chicken when the craving strikes.
Reheating
To keep that signature crunch on your Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta, reheat the chicken in a 375°F oven for about 10–12 minutes or until hot and crispy again. Rewarm pasta gently in a saucepan or the microwave—you may want to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying?
Absolutely! Both methods work beautifully for a lighter version. Just cook at 400°F—about 20 minutes in the oven, or 10–12 minutes in the air fryer—until golden and cooked through. You’ll still have that essential crunch.
Which pasta shape is best for Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta?
Fettuccine and penne are both excellent choices, but feel free to experiment! Farfalle, rigatoni, or even spaghetti soak up the creamy sauce and look great with sliced chicken on top.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Definitely! Stir in steamed broccoli florets, baby spinach, or peas for a touch of color and extra nutrition. You can add them to the sauce just before tossing with the pasta.
What’s the best way to get the chicken extra crispy?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness and pressing on the breadcrumb coating is key. Also, let the coated chicken sit for a few minutes before frying—this helps set the crust. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta can be partially prepped ahead: marinate the chicken and mix the breadcrumbs the day before. Just cook and assemble when ready to enjoy for maximum flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s pure comfort and joy in every bite of Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta—it’s a recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again. Why not treat yourself and your loved ones tonight? Grab those simple ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy a dinner everyone will rave about. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of crispy chicken and creamy pasta with this delightful recipe. Juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust, served over a bed of rich, Parmesan-laden pasta. A satisfying and flavorful dish that is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Crispy Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Marinate in buttermilk. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken in breadcrumb mixture. Cook in olive oil until golden brown.
- Creamy Pasta: Cook pasta. Sauté garlic in butter. Add cream and chicken broth; simmer. Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Toss drained pasta with sauce. Serve chicken over pasta. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can bake or air fry the chicken for a lighter version.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach to the pasta for a veggie boost.
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