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 being served with a side of spaghetti, it’s all tossed together in a creamy, flavorful pasta dish. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about it!

While the exact origins of Chicken Parmesan Pasta are a bit murky (likely a brilliant invention born from a craving for both dishes at once!), its parent dish, Chicken Parmesan, has a rich history rooted in Italian-American cuisine. It evolved from eggplant parmesan, a Southern Italian staple, as Italian immigrants adapted their recipes using ingredients readily available in America. This delicious evolution has led to countless variations, and this pasta version is definitely one of my favorites.

What’s not to love? The combination of tender pasta, juicy chicken coated in crispy breadcrumbs, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella is simply irresistible. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that satisfies on so many levels. Plus, it’s a relatively easy one-pot meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience a new level of pasta perfection!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 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
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish
• For the Cheese Topping:
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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 helps the chicken cook evenly and makes it more tender. Don’t overdo it, you don’t want to tear the 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 seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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 gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Make sure the chicken is completely covered in breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
4. Rest the Breaded Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts on a plate or baking sheet and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere better during frying.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sizzle when you add the chicken, but not so hot that it burns the breadcrumbs. A good way to test is to drop a small breadcrumb into the oil; if it sizzles gently, the oil is ready.
2. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 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 check for doneness.
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 any excess oil. This helps keep the chicken crispy.

Preparing the Tomato 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, red pepper flakes (if using), 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 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. The longer you simmer the sauce, 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. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can be used to help thicken the sauce and create a creamy texture.
3. Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander.

Assembling the Chicken Parmesan Pasta

1. Add Pasta to Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the saucepan with the tomato sauce. 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.
2. Top with Chicken: Place the saucy pasta on a serving platter or divide it among individual plates. Top each portion with a fried chicken breast.
3. Add Cheese: Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella cheese over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
4. Broil (Optional): If desired, place the platter or plates under the broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent the cheese from burning.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Parmesan Pasta!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation. Why? Because it delivers that classic, comforting Chicken Parmesan flavor we all crave, but in a streamlined, surprisingly simple pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Forget spending hours breading chicken cutlets and simmering sauce – this recipe cuts down on prep time without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. The combination of tender pasta, crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside chicken, and that rich, tangy tomato sauce, all blanketed in melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, is simply irresistible. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Penne, rigatoni, or even rotini would work beautifully. For a vegetarian twist, you could easily substitute the chicken with thick slices of eggplant, breaded and baked until golden brown. If you’re looking to add a little extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce will do the trick. And for those who love a garlicky punch, sauté a few extra cloves of minced garlic with the onions at the beginning.

Serving suggestions are endless! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread is always a welcome addition, especially for soaking up all that delicious sauce. And for a truly decadent meal, consider serving it with a glass of your favorite red wine.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and easy to make. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Don’t be afraid to make it your own! Add your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables to create a dish that perfectly suits your taste.

I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! It’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Chicken Parmesan without all the fuss. And once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments – I’m eager to see your culinary creations! Cooking is all about sharing and inspiring each other, so let’s connect and celebrate the joy of good food together. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a truly unforgettable meal. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think of this Chicken Parmesan Pasta!

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