Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin between two sheets of plastic wrap.
• Set up a breading station:
  1. Bowl 1: Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
  3. Bowl 3: Place the flour.
• Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
• Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

3. Cook the Pasta

• Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
• Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

• In the same skillet (wipe out excess oil if needed), melt butter over medium heat.
• Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and whisk in Parmesan and Italian seasoning until smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

5. Serve

• Plate creamy pasta and top with crispy chicken.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Serving Suggestions