Crunchy Cheesy Chicken & Zesty Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

Tender chicken coated in a crispy parmesan crust meets its perfect partner in a velvety lemon garlic pasta that sings with flavor.

The golden-brown exterior of this parmesan chicken promises a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Zesty lemon and rich garlic weave magic through the creamy pasta, creating a melody of textures and tastes.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of crisp and smooth, tangy and rich.

Weeknight dinners demand meals that are both impressive and simple to create.

This recipe turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary plate that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into a culinary experience that balances comfort and sophistication with delightful ease.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 650 kcal

Servings: 5

Crispy Chicken with Creamy Garlic Pasta: Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes golden and crispy when breaded, choose fresh, tender cuts.
• Bread Crumbs: Provides delightful crunch and texture, select fine, even-textured crumbs.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps breading adhere perfectly to chicken, ensures even coating.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and extra crispiness to the breading, use freshly grated for best flavor.

• Butter: Creates rich flavor and helps with browning chicken, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Delivers luxurious, silky sauce texture, select high-fat content cream.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens sauce with tangy freshness, choose ripe, juicy lemons.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses subtle, aromatic warmth, opt for high-quality, fragrant powder.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning, use freshly ground black pepper.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds vibrant color and herbaceous note, select bright green, crisp leaves.
• Additional Parmesan Cheese: Provides extra flavor boost, sprinkle generously when serving.

Utensils You’ll Need for Chicken & Pasta Combo

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken to crispy golden perfection and creating a perfect sear.
• Medium Skillet: Perfect for whisking and creating the creamy lemon garlic sauce.
• Shallow Dishes: Needed for coating chicken in melted butter and bread crumb mixture.
• Whisk: Critical for blending sauce ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping parsley and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure bread crumbs, cheese, and other ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Cooking Tongs: Useful for flipping chicken and handling hot ingredients.

How to Make Crispy Chicken and Garlic Pasta

• Bread Crumb Magic

Blend crispy bread crumbs with rich parmesan cheese to create a golden coating that transforms ordinary chicken into a crunchy delight.

• Chicken Transformation

Dunk chicken into melted butter, then lovingly roll in the parmesan bread crumb mixture, ensuring every inch gets a delicious crispy embrace.

• Skillet Sizzle

Gently place coated chicken into a hot skillet, letting each side turn a beautiful golden brown while cooking to tender perfection.

• Creamy Pasta Dream

Whip up a velvety sauce with cream, zesty lemon, and whispers of garlic, creating a luxurious bed for your perfectly cooked pasta.

• Pasta Sauce Symphony

Toss hot pasta through the silky sauce, coating each strand with a rich, tangy flavor that complements the crispy chicken.

• Elegant Plate Presentation

Arrange the golden chicken atop the creamy pasta, sprinkling fresh parsley for a pop of color and a burst of fresh herb flavor.

Tips for Balance in Crispy Chicken Pasta

• Swap traditional bread crumbs with panko for extra crispy texture or use crushed cornflakes for a unique golden crunch.
• Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for more flavor or try turkey cutlets for a leaner option that still delivers delicious results.
• Add red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a subtle heat kick or incorporate fresh herbs like basil and thyme to elevate the lemon garlic flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions without compromising on taste and texture.

Serving Up a Comforting Plate of Chicken & Pasta

• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy lemon garlic sauce and crispy chicken.
• Create a Complete Meal: Add a simple side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta and chicken, making it a well-rounded dinner.
• Customize with Veggie Boost: Toss some roasted cherry tomatoes or steamed asparagus next to the chicken to add extra nutrition and vibrant texture to the plate.

Smart Storage for Chicken & Cream Pasta

• Refrigerate Quickly: Store leftover chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Consume Within Days: Enjoy refrigerated chicken for up to 3-4 days and pasta for 3-5 days. Separate storage helps maintain crispy chicken texture and creamy pasta quality.
• Revive Leftovers Smartly: Reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F to keep it crispy. Warm pasta with a splash of cream or milk to restore its creamy consistency and prevent drying.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap chicken and pasta individually in freezer-safe containers. Pasta can freeze for 2-3 weeks, while chicken stays good for 2-4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Golden Parmesan Chicken Over Silky Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade crispy parmesan chicken nestles atop silky lemon garlic pasta for an irresistible dinner experience. Italian-inspired flavors merge seamlessly, promising a meal that satisfies both comfort and gourmet cravings with each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced in half
• 8 oz (226 g) pasta of choice (e.g., thin spaghetti)
• ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan, plus additional for pasta
• ½ cup (60 g) Italian bread crumbs
• ¼ cup (30 g) flour
• 6 tbsps (85 g) butter, divided
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Butter Prep: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat to create a golden cooking surface.
2. Coating Setup: Prepare two shallow dishes – one with melted butter, another with a mixture of bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and all-purpose flour.
3. Chicken Breading: Dip chicken breasts in melted butter, then thoroughly coat with the seasoned bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure full coverage.
4. Crispy Cooking: Fry the breaded chicken in the skillet, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Pasta and Sauce Creation: Simultaneously cook pasta according to package instructions, then craft a creamy sauce by whisking heavy whipping cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate skillet.
6. Sauce Finishing: Simmer the sauce over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until it thickens into a rich, velvety consistency.
7. Final Assembly: Fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, plate as a base, top with the crispy parmesan chicken, and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Butter Browning Technique: Melt butter slowly over medium heat to create a golden, flavorful base that prevents burning and adds rich depth to the cooking surface.
• Breading Mastery: Press the bread crumb mixture gently but firmly onto the chicken to ensure a crispy, even coating that locks in moisture and creates a crunchy exterior.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing safe cooking while maintaining juicy, tender meat.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Whisk and stir the cream sauce continuously while simmering to prevent scorching and achieve a smooth, velvety texture that perfectly coats the pasta.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg