If you are looking for a comforting, restaurant-style dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare at home, this Crispy Parmesan Chicken served over Creamy Vegetable Farfalle Pasta is the perfect choice. The combination of golden, crunchy chicken cutlets paired with rich, velvety pasta coated in a flavorful cream sauce creates a balanced and satisfying meal. The tender vegetables add freshness and color, while the parmesan and herbs bring everything together beautifully.
This recipe is ideal for family dinners, date nights, or whenever you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
3–4 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Creamy Farfalle Pasta:
12 oz (about 340g) farfalle pasta
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets. If necessary, gently pound them with a meat mallet until evenly thick. This ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken tender.
Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
Coat each chicken piece first in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it is fully coated on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken into the pan. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to rest.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Vegetable Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced mushrooms and diced bell peppers. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Allow it to gently simmer for 3–4 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce thickens. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Add the cooked farfalle pasta directly into the skillet and toss well to coat each piece evenly with the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Slice the crispy chicken into strips. Spoon the creamy vegetable pasta onto serving plates and arrange the sliced chicken on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the contrast between the crunchy chicken crust and the smooth, cheesy pasta.
Tips for Best Results
For extra crispiness, you can double-dip the chicken in egg and breadcrumbs.
If you prefer a lighter version, the chicken can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes instead of frying.
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for additional flavor variation.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this dish lies in texture and balance. The crispy exterior of the Parmesan chicken contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy pasta. The sweetness of bell peppers and earthiness of mushrooms add depth, while the Parmesan cheese enhances the savory richness of the entire plate.
It’s a complete meal in one dish: protein, vegetables, and pasta combined harmoniously. Whether you’re cooking for guests or preparing a comforting dinner for yourself, this recipe guarantees satisfaction.