Chicken Parmesan Pasta is a comforting classic, a crowd-pleasing dish that effortlessly blends the savory richness of chicken parmesan with the satisfying heartiness of pasta. This recipe takes the beloved flavors of chicken parmesan and transforms them into a quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious pasta dish. Forget complicated techniques and long cooking times; this recipe is designed for busy weeknights, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
What Makes This Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe Special?
This recipe stands apart from others because it prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor. We're focusing on building layers of deliciousness using fresh, high-quality ingredients and smart techniques. The creamy parmesan sauce isn't just a simple cream sauce; it's infused with the deep, savory essence of parmesan cheese and bright acidity of lemon juice, creating a perfectly balanced sauce that complements the breaded chicken. Plus, we'll share tips and tricks to achieve perfectly crispy chicken every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
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For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Pasta:
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper. In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken cube in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumbs.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat about 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per batch). Set aside.
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Make the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
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Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
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Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add the fried chicken and toss gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to loosen it.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves (optional) and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne and rigatoni are great choices, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, rotini, or even spaghetti.
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
Ensure your chicken is completely dry before breading it. Allow the breaded chicken to rest for a few minutes before frying to help the breading adhere better. Don't overcrowd the pan when frying; fry in batches to maintain a high oil temperature for optimal crispiness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta and combine everything just before serving for the best results.
What kind of cheese can I use besides Parmesan?
While Parmesan is the classic choice, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano. A blend of cheeses would also work well.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Consider adding sauteed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken; this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Parmesan Pasta! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
