Go Back
Golden, crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken sliced over cheesy pasta in a cast-iron skillet, garnished with parsley.

Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Tender, juicy chicken breast coated in crispy parmesan breadcrumbs, served over creamy garlic pasta with fresh herbs. A comforting one-dish meal that's ready in under 45 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 720

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts 6 oz each, pounded to 3/4 inch thickness
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Shallow bowl
  • Meat mallet
  • Colander

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Pound chicken breasts to 3/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 cup Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in the third.
  3. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Cook the Pasta and Chicken
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook breaded chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
Make the Cream Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the drained pasta to the cream sauce and toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time.
Serve
  1. Slice the parmesan chicken and serve over the creamy pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated. The chicken can be prepared up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated before cooking. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently in the microwave or skillet.