Name: Chicken Parmesan Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided (½ cup for breading, ½ cup for topping); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup olive oil, for frying; 1 pound spaghetti (or your favorite pasta shape); Salt, for pasta water; 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 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon sugar; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

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 delicious invention born from a craving for both Italian-American staples), the individual components have rich histories. Chicken Parmesan, a beloved dish in Italian-American cuisine, is believed to have evolved from eggplant parmesan, brought to America by Italian immigrants. Pasta, of course, has been a cornerstone of Italian cooking for centuries. Combining these two iconic dishes creates a symphony of flavors and textures that's simply irresistible.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. First, it's incredibly satisfying. The crispy chicken, the tangy tomato sauce, the creamy cheese, and the perfectly cooked pasta all come together to create a truly unforgettable experience. It's also surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner when you're craving something comforting and delicious. Plus, who can resist the allure of perfectly melted mozzarella cheese? It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you're serving it to family or friends. Get ready to experience a new level of pasta perfection!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided (½ cup for breading, ½ cup for topping)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ 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 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling:

8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken

Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures even cooking and tenderizes the chicken. Don't overdo it, you don't want to tear the chicken.
Set up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, add the beaten eggs. In the third dish, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, ½ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients.
Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well. Make sure the chicken is completely covered in breadcrumbs.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped into it. Be careful not to overheat the oil, as this can cause the breadcrumbs to burn before the chicken is cooked through.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 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.
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 will help keep the chicken crispy.

Preparing the Pasta Sauce

Sauté the Garlic: In a large saucepan or pot, 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 this will make the sauce bitter.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
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. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch more sugar.

Cooking the Pasta

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 the package directions, until al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite.
Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as the starch helps the sauce adhere to it.

Assembling the Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with about half of the prepared tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
Layer the Chicken: Spread a thin layer of the remaining tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
Top with Sauce and Cheese: Spoon the remaining tomato sauce over the chicken breasts. Top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly golden brown.
Rest and Garnish: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Serve: Serve the Chicken Parmesan Pasta immediately. You can serve it directly from the baking dish or portion it onto individual plates. Enjoy!

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, weeknight-friendly format. Forget spending hours breading and frying chicken cutlets – this recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. The juicy, pan-seared chicken, coated in a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb mixture, combined with the rich, tangy tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. But the real magic lies in how easily this dish comes together. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying and impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Think of this recipe as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Want to add a little extra heat? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or the sauce. Craving more vegetables? Toss in some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the pasta. For a richer flavor, use a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese. Here are a few more ideas to get you started: * Garlic Bread Bliss: Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into the extra sauce. * Salad Sensation: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pasta. * Wine Pairing Wonder: A light-bodied Italian red wine, like Chianti, complements the flavors of the dish beautifully. * Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese just before serving for an extra creamy and decadent touch. * Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick. * Veggie Boost: Roast some cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves and add them to the sauce for a burst of fresh flavor. * Leftover Love: This Chicken Parmesan Pasta is even better the next day! Pack it for lunch or enjoy it as a quick and easy dinner. I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love this recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Don't be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own! So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I can’t wait to hear what you think! I truly encourage you to try this Chicken Parmesan Pasta recipe. Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable, and I love hearing about your culinary adventures! Happy cooking!