If you are looking for a dish that combines the satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked chicken with the indulgent comfort of rich, creamy pasta, this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals. It’s a delightful balance of textures and flavors that feels both reassuringly familiar and wonderfully special. From the golden crust to the luscious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta, this recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly memorable and heartwarming.

Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and ensures your Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe turns out exactly as delicious as you imagine. Each item is thoughtfully selected to provide texture, flavor, and that gorgeous golden color.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that gets crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
1 cup breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crunch coating the chicken.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the breadcrumbs beautifully.
1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a warm aroma and subtle depth into the crust.
1 tsp paprika: Brings a lovely smoky sweetness and a hint of vibrant color.
Salt and pepper to taste: To elevate every flavor perfectly.
2 eggs: Acts as the adhesive to help the coating stick to the chicken perfectly.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Provides a base layer for the coating to grip onto the chicken.
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying): For that essential golden sear and flavor.
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine): The comforting vehicle to soak up the creamy sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: The luscious base that makes the pasta irresistibly creamy.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce): Melts into the cream for a rich, cheesy sauce.
½ cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps balance the creaminess.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers aromatic punch to the sauce.
1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the garlic gently without overwhelming it.
Salt and pepper to taste: Fine-tunes the seasoning in the sauce and pasta.
Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of green and fresh brightness.

How to Make Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) because we want that chicken to finish cooking perfectly in the heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to build flavor right from the start. Then, set up a simple but crucial breading station: one bowl with flour, another with beaten eggs, and a third with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika. This trio makes sure your chicken will have that irresistible golden crust. Dredge each piece of chicken through the flour, dip it in the egg, then coat it well with the breadcrumb blend. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and pan-fry the chicken breasts for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the coating is beautifully golden. Finally, transfer them to a baking sheet and pop into the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until cooked through but still juicy.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Pasta

While the chicken is finishing up, cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set it aside. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add your minced garlic, sautéing just long enough to release that inviting aroma, about a minute. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer until reduced by half – this concentration of flavor makes all the difference. Next, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then toss in the cooked pasta so every piece is luxuriously coated in that creamy goodness.

Step 3: Assemble & Serve

Once your chicken is out of the oven, give it a few minutes to rest before slicing it into tender strips. Serve the crispy chicken strips artfully over a generous bed of creamy pasta. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh parsley over the top to brighten the plate with a fresh, herbal note. Your Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe is now ready to wow anyone lucky enough to share your table!

How to Serve Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley really makes this dish pop with color and a subtle fresh flavor that balances the richness of the creamy pasta and crispy chicken beautifully. For a little extra zing, you can also add a light grating of lemon zest or even a few shavings of Parmesan right before serving.

Side Dishes

This meal is rich and filling, so consider light, crisp sides like a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with a little lemon and garlic. A side of roasted vegetables also pairs wonderfully, adding earthiness and a contrasting texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Experiment with plating by twirling the creamy pasta into neat nests and layering the crispy chicken strips on top or slicing the chicken and mixing it directly through the pasta for a more relaxed, rustic presentation. Using a deep bowl garnished with vibrant herbs can also invite a warm, comforting vibe perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. The chicken’s crispiness might soften, but the flavors will remain deeply satisfying for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, it’s better to freeze the chicken and pasta separately. Wrap the crispy chicken breasts well in foil and plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. Freeze cooked pasta with sauce in a separate container. Both components will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. For the chicken, reheat in a hot oven (around 350°F) on a wire rack to help restore some crispness without drying it out. Microwave reheating tends to make the crust soggy, so it’s less ideal.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay wonderfully juicy and flavorful, but since they are thicker and sometimes bone-in, cooking times and breading may need slight adjustments. Boneless thighs work best to keep it simple.

What pasta types work best with this recipe?

Penne and fettuccine are great choices because their shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Feel free to try other types like rigatoni or farfalle for a similar effect.

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

Double coating your chicken by dipping it back into egg and breadcrumbs before frying can add extra crunch. Also, ensuring your oil is hot enough before frying will create a crisp outer layer quicker without absorbing too much oil.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap out the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream and use a plant-based cheese substitute for the Parmesan. Note that this will change the flavor profile, but it’s a tasty variation for those avoiding dairy.

Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe is excellent for meal prep. Keep components separate until ready to eat to maintain the best texture. It reheats well with minimal loss in quality.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe enough. It feels like the perfect combination of comfort and elegance without requiring a professional kitchen or fancy ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers joy in every bite. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!

Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta Recipe

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4 from 89 reviews

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

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Description

A delicious and satisfying meal featuring crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts served over a bed of rich, creamy parmesan pasta. The chicken is coated with a flavorful breadcrumb mixture and pan-fried before finishing in the oven for perfect texture. The pasta is cooked al dente and tossed in a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce, making this dish a comforting dinner favorite.

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 with salt and pepper evenly on both sides to enhance flavor. Set up a breading station with three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture for a crisp crust.
Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. This initial frying locks in moisture and adds texture.
Bake the Chicken: Transfer the fried chicken breasts to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through and juicy on the inside. This step finishes the cooking process evenly.
Cook the Pasta: While the chicken bakes, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to be combined with the sauce later.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer until it has reduced by half, concentrating the flavors.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to preference.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece evenly with the rich, garlicky parmesan sauce.
Assemble and Serve: Once the chicken is baked, slice it into strips. Plate the creamy pasta and top with the crispy chicken strips. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting meal.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor in both the breading and sauce.
Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when pan-frying to ensure even browning.
For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
Try different pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine according to your preference.
Leftover creamy pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.

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