If you are craving a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together with ease, this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. The golden, perfectly crisp chicken breast pairs beautifully with a luxuriously creamy pasta sauce enriched with fresh rosemary, garlic, and a generous helping of parmesan. Each bite offers a harmony of textures and flavors that feel both comforting and sophisticated, making it ideal for a cozy dinner or a special weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that bring incredible flavor and texture to the dish. Every component plays a distinct role, from the crispiness of the chicken to the richness of the creamy parmesan sauce, creating a well-rounded and satisfying experience.
- Dried or fresh pasta (200 grams dried or 300 grams fresh): The foundation for your creamy parmesan sauce, providing a comforting base that soaks up all the flavors.
- Chicken breast (1 piece): The star protein that crisps up beautifully when cooked just right.
- Flour (1 tablespoon): Creates a light coating to achieve the perfect crispy texture on the chicken.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps build the flavorful base for the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, finely chopped): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory punch.
- Fresh rosemary leaves (1 tablespoon, roughly chopped): Brings a fragrant herbal note that complements the cream and parmesan.
- Cream (¾ cup): The silky ingredient that transforms the sauce into a luscious coating for the pasta.
- Parmesan cheese (50 grams, very finely grated): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and is key to the creamy texture.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Olive oil for frying: Provides the perfect frying medium for achieving the crispy chicken exterior.
- Lemon juice and zest: Brightens the dish with a refreshing citrus finish.
How to Make Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it is just underdone by about one minute—this is important because it will finish cooking in the sauce later. Before draining, reserve a cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid will help create a silky, cohesive sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, gently flatten the chicken breast to ensure even cooking throughout. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly coat the chicken with flour for that irresistible crispy crust.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan and fry for about 2 minutes on each side until the crust is golden and the chicken is cooked through. Once done, wrap the chicken in foil to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Rosemary
In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Then toss in the chopped rosemary and cook briefly to release its warmth and aroma.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Slowly pour in the cream while stirring constantly to combine with the aromatic butter and garlic. Gradually add the finely grated parmesan, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Finish by seasoning with black pepper and adding a splash of fresh lemon juice for a subtle zing.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help the sauce thicken to a perfect consistency while maintaining that silky texture. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to come together beautifully.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the drained pasta gently into the creamy sauce. Stir carefully for one or two minutes to ensure every strand is luxuriously coated and infused with flavor.
Step 8: Serve the Chicken and Pasta
Slice the warm, crispy chicken and either lay it nicely atop the pasta or mix it through for an all-in-one bite of crisp and creaminess. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest and maybe an extra grating of parmesan for that irresistible final touch.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A little lemon zest adds a fresh, vibrant pop that contrasts delightfully with the creamy sauce, while an extra sprinkle of parmesan boosts that savory, cheesy goodness. Fresh rosemary leaves can also be added for a pleasant herbal note and beautiful presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette, offering a refreshing balance to the richness. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add color, texture, and nutritional variety without overpowering the main flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try layering the pasta on a plate and fanning out the chicken slices on top, finishing with a drizzle of extra sauce. Alternatively, serve it family-style in a warm casserole dish so everyone can help themselves to this comforting feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken, so keep that reserved pasta water handy when reheating to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Freezing
While the pasta with creamy sauce can be frozen, the texture of the chicken may slightly change. If you plan to freeze, separate the pasta and chicken before freezing to retain the best quality, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of reserved pasta water or cream to refresh the sauce and keep it smooth and silky.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While dried or fresh pasta are recommended, you can use penne, fettuccine, or even rigatoni. Just adjust cooking times slightly and be sure to reserve some pasta water to help with the sauce consistency.
What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
Dried rosemary can be used but add it early during cooking so its flavor has time to infuse the butter and cream. Alternatively, fresh thyme is a lovely herbal substitute that pairs well with creamy dishes.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free flour for dusting the chicken and pair it with gluten-free pasta. Just ensure your parmesan and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to keep this dish safe and delicious.
Can I make this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a vegan butter or olive oil, use coconut cream or a nut-based cream substitute, and replace parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative. The dish will be different but still tasty and comforting.
How do I keep the chicken crispy even after adding it to the creamy pasta?
To maintain the chicken’s crispiness, slice and add it just before serving or serve it on top of the pasta rather than mixed in. If you must mix it in, do so gently and briefly to avoid the coating becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that manages to feel special while being incredibly accessible. Its blend of crispy, tender chicken and a luscious parmesan sauce makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser or a simply satisfying solo meal. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it just might become a treasured favorite in your own kitchen!
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Crispy Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta recipe combines perfectly cooked, tender chicken breast with a luscious, parmesan-infused cream sauce tossed with tender pasta. The dish is flavored with fresh rosemary, garlic, and brightened with lemon zest and juice, creating a delightful balance of rich and fresh flavors that’s quick to prepare for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 chicken breast
Pasta
- 200 grams dried pasta (or 300 grams fresh pasta)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves (roughly chopped)
- ¾ cup cream
- 50 grams parmesan (very finely grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- Lemon juice and zest for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water, undercooking by one minute to ensure it’s al dente. Before draining, reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Prepare Chicken: Flatten the chicken breast to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dust evenly with flour to create a light coating.
- Fry Chicken: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken breast for about 2 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Once done, wrap the chicken in foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add finely chopped garlic and sauté until it releases a fragrant aroma. Then add the chopped rosemary and cook briefly to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Gradually pour the cream into the pan, stirring to combine with the garlic and rosemary. Slowly add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smoothly incorporated. Season with black pepper and add lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: Add the reserved pasta water to the sauce and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and develop a creamy consistency.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the pan with the sauce. Toss gently for one to two minutes until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Serve: Slice the warm, crispy chicken breast and place on top of or mixed through the pasta. Garnish with fresh lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor and serve immediately.
Notes
- Under-cooking pasta slightly prevents it from becoming mushy when tossed in sauce.
- Flattening the chicken ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Using reserved pasta water helps achieve a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Adjust lemon juice amount according to taste to balance creaminess.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
