Chicken Parmesan Pasta: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Pasta: the ultimate comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed! Imagine the crispy, golden-brown perfection of classic chicken parmesan, but instead of serving it alongside spaghetti, we’re tossing it all together in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.

Chicken Parmesan, a beloved Italian-American staple, has roots that trace back to the eggplant parmigiana of Southern Italy. Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to America, and resourceful cooks adapted the recipe using readily available chicken. Over time, it evolved into the breaded and cheesy delight we know and love. But why stop there?

People adore Chicken Parmesan for its satisfying combination of textures and tastes. The crispy chicken, the tangy tomato sauce, and the melted mozzarella create a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Now, imagine all that goodness combined with perfectly cooked pasta and a luscious, creamy sauce. That’s what makes this Chicken Parmesan Pasta so incredibly special. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s both comforting and convenient, perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering. Get ready to experience a new level of pasta perfection!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil, for frying
• For the Pasta:
• 1 pound spaghetti (or your favorite pasta shape)
• Salt, for pasta water
• For the Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Topping:
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and tenderizes the chicken. Don’t over-pound, or you’ll end up with shredded chicken!
2. Set up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk the eggs. In the third dish, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. This is where the magic happens, so make sure your breadcrumb mixture is flavorful!
3. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered for that perfect crispy coating.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped into it. Be careful not to overheat the oil, or the breadcrumbs will burn before the chicken is cooked through.
2. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
3. Drain the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps keep the chicken crispy.

Preparing the Pasta Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be!

Cooking the Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so the pasta should be firm but not hard.
2. Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. The pasta water is starchy and can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.

Assembling the Chicken Parmesan Pasta

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Add Sauce to Chicken: Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon a generous amount of the tomato sauce over each chicken breast.
3. Add Cheese: Top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: While the chicken is baking, add the cooked pasta to the remaining tomato sauce in the saucepan. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
6. Serve: Serve the saucy pasta on plates and top with the baked chicken Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and comforting Chicken Parmesan Pasta!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! My take on Chicken Parmesan Pasta, a dish that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight staple. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan but craves a little something different. It’s the perfect marriage of crispy, golden-brown chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all blanketed in a generous layer of melted mozzarella. What’s not to love?

But beyond just the incredible taste, this recipe is also surprisingly easy to make. I’ve streamlined the process to ensure that even busy weeknights can accommodate a delicious, home-cooked meal. Forget complicated techniques and hours in the kitchen; this Chicken Parmesan Pasta comes together quickly and efficiently, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your dinner.

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a lighter meal, serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese on top before serving. Want to kick up the heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the tomato sauce will do the trick. You could even try using different types of pasta, like penne or rigatoni, depending on your preference. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

• Serve with a side of garlic bread for dipping in the extra sauce.
• Add some sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the sauce for added flavor and nutrients.
• Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or asiago, for a unique twist.
• Try using gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of the dish.
• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or the tomato sauce.
• Top with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
• Bake the assembled pasta in a casserole dish for a bubbly, cheesy finish.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, a crowd-pleasing dish for a family gathering, or simply a delicious and satisfying meal any day of the week. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, and I guarantee that even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Chicken Parmesan Pasta. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Once you’ve tried it, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know how it turned out, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable, and I love hearing about your culinary adventures.

Happy cooking, and bon appétit!