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
Scale
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.
