Description
This hearty chicken parmesan pasta blends Italian-American comfort classics into one satisfying dish. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and marinara sauce combine perfectly for a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 300 grams (10.5 ounces) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions until tender, then drain and reserve.
- Transform chicken breasts into delicate cutlets by slicing horizontally.
- Create a savory coating by blending breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Dredge chicken cutlets through beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage, then generously coat with seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F). Sear chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
- Utilize the same skillet to heat marinara sauce, then introduce cooked pasta and toss until evenly distributed.
- Strategically layer crispy chicken cutlets atop the sauced pasta.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken and pasta.
- Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and allow cheese to melt completely for 2-3 minutes.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves for added fragrance and visual appeal. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.
Notes
- Trim chicken breasts to even thickness before slicing for consistent cooking and crispy coating.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and lighter texture in the breading.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels before coating to help breading adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
- Swap chicken for tofu or eggplant to make a vegetarian version of this dish that’s equally delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg