Description
Parmesan chicken lemon pasta brings zesty Mediterranean flavors to classic comfort food. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bright herbs combine for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies hungry families.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced in half
Starches and Dry Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) thin spaghetti
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) Italian bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) flour
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup (100 grams) grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet to medium heat and melt butter, creating a smooth cooking surface.
- Prepare two separate dishes: one with melted butter and another with a mixture of bread crumbs, parmesan, and flour for coating.
- Dredge each chicken piece first in melted butter, then thoroughly coat with the bread crumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Transfer coated chicken to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown crispy exterior and ensuring chicken is fully cooked through.
- While chicken is cooking, boil pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions, then drain completely.
- In the same skillet used for chicken, create a creamy sauce by combining cream, parmesan, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Add drained pasta to the sauce, gently tossing to ensure each pasta strand is evenly coated with the rich, tangy sauce.
- Plate the pasta and top with the crispy parmesan-crusted chicken pieces, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure butter is fully melted before adding ingredients to prevent burning and achieve even coating.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and better texture on chicken surface.
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Grate parmesan cheese fresh for richer, more vibrant flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity based on personal taste preference, starting with less and adding gradually.
- Pat chicken dry before coating to help breading adhere more effectively and create crunchier exterior.
- Allow sauce to simmer gently, stirring constantly to prevent separation and achieve smooth consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 660
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg