Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a dish that never fails to impress.
It’s the perfect blend of crispy, juicy chicken and rich, flavorful pasta that satisfies every craving.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
This dish is a favorite for family dinners and special occasions alike, with yummy tastes and feels that make every mouthful awesome.
No matter if you’re making food for your family, buddies, or just yourself, this meal is gonna knock their socks off. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your Chicken Parmesan Pasta:
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or garlic knots to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or Caesar dressing pairs perfectly, providing a crisp contrast to the rich pasta dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Accompany the dish with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or a medley of your favorites for added nutrition and color.
Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of Chianti or another dry red wine to complement the flavors of the chicken and marinara sauce.
Caprese Salad: Serve with a simple Caprese salad made of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze for a refreshing side.
Steamed Broccoli: A side of steamed broccoli adds a healthy and vibrant green element to your meal.
Antipasto Platter: Start the meal with an antipasto platter featuring cured meats, olives, artichoke hearts, and marinated mushrooms for an authentic Italian experience.
Mashed Potatoes: For a hearty and comforting side, serve with creamy mashed potatoes.
Bruschetta: Offer bruschetta topped with diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil as an appetizer to set the tone for an Italian feast.
Dessert: Finish the meal with a classic Italian dessert like tiramisu, panna cotta, or a scoop of gelato.
These serving suggestions will elevate your Chicken Parmesan Pasta meal, making it a delightful and well-rounded dining experience. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips
Here are some cooking tips to ensure your Chicken Parmesan Pasta turns out perfectly:
Even Chicken Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. This prevents some parts from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
Seasoning: Season the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixtures well to infuse the chicken with more flavor. Don’t skip the seasonings in each step.
Bread Crumb Coating: Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken cutlets to ensure a good coating. This helps the breading adhere better during frying.
Oil Temperature: Heat the oil to the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying. If the oil is too cool, the breading will absorb more oil and become greasy.
If too hot, the breading will burn before the chicken cooks through.
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the chicken cutlets in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy breading.
Drain Excess Oil: Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This keeps the chicken crispy.
Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta until just al dente (firm to the bite) since it will continue to cook slightly when baked with the sauce and chicken.
Use Quality Marinara: Choose a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for the best flavor. The sauce is a key component of the dish.
Cheese Layer: Ensure the mozzarella cheese is evenly spread over the chicken and pasta for consistent melting and gooeyness in every bite.
Baking Dish: Use a large enough baking dish to avoid overcrowding the chicken and pasta. This ensures even heating and melting of the cheese.
Resting Time: Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of fresh flavor and a pop of color.
By following these cooking tips, you’ll achieve a perfectly balanced and delicious Chicken Parmesan Pasta that is sure to impress.
Enjoy your cooking!
Recipe FAQ’s
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the chicken’s crispiness.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano is a great alternative to Parmesan cheese, offering a similar texture and flavor.
Can I use pre-made sauce for Chicken Parmesan Pasta?
Yes, you can use store-bought marinara sauce if you’re short on time. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ cup vegetable oil for frying
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or spaghetti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thin cutlets. Pound them gently with a meat mallet to ensure even thickness.Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil.Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, and then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cook the Chicken:In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken cutlets in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Cook the Pasta:While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and Bake:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Add the cooked pasta and mix with the remaining marinara sauce until well coated.Arrange the fried chicken cutlets on top of the pasta. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and pasta.
- Bake:Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dish is heated through.
- Serve:Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Even Bread Coating: Ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the breadcrumb mixture by pressing the breadcrumbs firmly onto the cutlets.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature while frying to prevent the chicken from absorbing too much oil. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the chicken is cooked through.
- Pasta Choice: You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Make sure to cook it al dente to avoid overcooking in the oven.
- Extra Sauce: If you like your pasta saucy, reserve some extra marinara sauce to serve on the side.