Chicken Parmesan Pasta: A Comfort Food Classic, Reimagined
Are you craving a dish that's both comforting and satisfying? Look no further than Chicken Parmesan Pasta! This recipe elevates the classic Chicken Parmesan by incorporating it into a creamy, flavorful pasta dish. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be easily adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your dietary needs or taste.
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or olive oil for a richer flavor)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Pasta & Cheese:
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions: Step-by-Step to Pasta Perfection
Follow these easy steps to create a delicious Chicken Parmesan Pasta dish that will become a family favorite:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- Bread the chicken: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Fry the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce:
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Combining & Serving:
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and gently stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, along with a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add the cheese: Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves (optional).
Tips and Variations for Your Chicken Parmesan Pasta:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrients and flavor.
- Use different cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like provolone or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
- Make it lighter: Bake the chicken instead of frying it for a healthier option.
This Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us – we'd love to see your photos!
