Ingredients
Scale
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the creamy pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to keep the chicken warm after frying.
- Flatten the chicken breasts using a meat mallet to ensure even cooking. Aim for about ½-inch thickness.
- Set up a breading station: one bowl for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Coat each chicken breast in flour, then dip it into the eggs, and finally press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the breaded chicken breasts, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and keep it warm in the oven while you prepare the pasta.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, typically 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly pour in milk or cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce, ensuring every strand is coated.
- Plate the pasta and top with a crispy chicken breast. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with pasta
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g