If you are craving a meal that brings together golden, crunchy chicken with luscious, dreamy pasta, then this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Combining the satisfying crunch of perfectly coated chicken breasts with a rich, velvety sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of pasta, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. You’ll find every bite bursting with flavor and texture, making it a fantastic way to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress guests without fuss. Trust me, once you try this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorites.

Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the chicken creates that satisfying crunch, the Parmesan boosts flavor depth, and the creamy sauce ties everything together with velvety richness. These essentials are easy to find and come together effortlessly for maximum deliciousness.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that turns crisp and juicy with perfect seasoning.
1 cup breadcrumbs: Provides the crunchy coating that makes the chicken irresistible.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to both the coating and sauce.
1 tsp garlic powder: Brings warmth and depth to the breadcrumb mixture.
1 tsp paprika: Infuses a hint of smokiness and a beautiful golden color.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning both chicken and pasta.
2 eggs: A binding agent for the breadcrumb coating, ensuring it clings perfectly.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: The first step in the dredging process for crispiness.
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying): Helps develop that golden brown crust on the chicken.
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine): The delicious base for our creamy sauce and crispy chicken to shine.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the smooth and indulgent texture of the pasta sauce.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce): Melts into the cream for a rich, cheesy finish.
½ cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the creaminess.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic flavor for the sauce.
1 tbsp olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic, releasing its full flavor.
Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds color and a fresh, bright note at the end.

How to Make Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. Then, set up a classic dredging station: one bowl with flour for the first coating, one with beaten eggs to moisten the chicken, and a third with your seasoned breadcrumb mixture composed of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika. Dredge each breast in flour, dip it in the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture to ensure maximum crunch. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and pan-fry the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they achieve a beautiful golden brown. To finish, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until they are cooked through and juicy on the inside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Pasta

While your chicken is baking, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set it aside. In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for a minute or two until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer until it reduces by about half—this concentrates the flavor beautifully. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth, luscious, and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing well to ensure every piece is coated with the creamy sauce. This rich pasta will pair perfectly with your crispy chicken.

Step 3: Assemble & Serve the Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe

Once the chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. This keeps the juices locked in and the chicken tender. Plate a generous serving of the creamy pasta, then arrange the crispy chicken slices on top. To finish, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Get ready to dig into a dish full of crispy, creamy, cheesy goodness that is simply irresistible.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds vibrant color but cuts through the richness of the creamy pasta, balancing the dish perfectly. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan at the table for those who love an extra cheesy kick.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe is delightfully rich, so lighter, fresh sides work best. Think a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or simply some steamed broccoli. These sides add crunch and freshness without overpowering the star of the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style meal, serve the pasta in a large bowl with the sliced crispy chicken arranged beautifully on top. Or, elevate your presentation by stacking the chicken strips artfully over a neat nest of pasta on each plate. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens also creates a stunning visual that’s almost too pretty to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftovers from this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the chicken separate from the pasta to maintain its crispiness as much as possible.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, place the pasta and chicken separately in freezer-safe containers. The creamy pasta freezes well for up to two months, but the chicken’s crispiness may soften after thawing. To revive the crunch, reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer.

Reheating

Reheat the creamy pasta gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it has thickened too much. For the chicken, pop it in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving the chicken to keep the coating from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking times as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne or fettuccine are ideal choices because their shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully, but you can use any pasta you like.

Is it okay to use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream is key for the rich, silky sauce. Using light cream or milk will make the sauce thinner and less luscious, but it will still taste good if you’re looking to lighten things up.

How do I keep the chicken coating crispy for longer?

After cooking, let the chicken rest on a wire rack instead of a plate so steam doesn’t make the coating soggy. Also, store it separately from the pasta until serving.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate before frying. The pasta sauce can also be made in advance and gently reheated prior to serving.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe brings together the best of textures and flavors for a truly satisfying meal. It’s a wonderful dish to share with family or friends that will leave everyone smiling and asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something spectacular and deliciously comforting.

Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 66 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta recipe combines perfectly seasoned, pan-fried and oven-baked chicken breasts with a luscious creamy Parmesan pasta. The chicken is coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture for a crispy exterior, while the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce brings the pasta to life, creating a comforting and satisfying meal ideal for any dinner occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crispy Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Creamy Pasta

8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Crispy Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Prepare three shallow bowls for a dredging station: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika.
Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, ensuring an even coat. Next, dip it into the whisked eggs. Finally, press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated on all sides.
Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the coated chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden-brown, crispy crust.
Bake the Chicken: Transfer the pan-fried chicken breasts onto a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
Cook the Pasta: While the chicken bakes, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and let it simmer until it reduces by half, which concentrates the flavor.
Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss well to ensure each piece is coated evenly.
Serve: Slice the crispy chicken breasts into strips. Plate the creamy pasta and arrange the sliced chicken on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for a delicious and comforting meal.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when pan-frying chicken to maintain heat and crispiness.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
To add a bit of spice, include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the breadcrumb mix or the creamy sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Italian-American