Ingredients:
For the Crispy Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Creamy Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crispy Chicken:
- Begin by setting up a breading station. In one shallow bowl, place the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In a third shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken breast first into the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing it to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
5. Serve:
- Slice the crispy chicken breasts into strips and place them on top of the creamy pasta.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy chicken with creamy pasta!