Quick & Zesty Parmesan Chicken Over Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

Crispy parmesan chicken elevates an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure that sparks immediate excitement.

Crunchy golden exteriors give way to tender, succulent meat that practically melts in your mouth.

Tangy parmesan coating adds irresistible depth and complexity to each delectable bite.

This recipe balances rich, indulgent flavors with bright, zesty undertones that dance across your palate.

Elegant yet approachable, the dish combines sophisticated technique with straightforward preparation anyone can master.

Simple ingredients come together to create a meal that feels both comforting and impressive.

Complex textures and harmonious seasonings elevate this classic combination into something truly memorable.

What to Know About Parmesan Chicken with Lemon Garlic Pasta

• Savor Crispy Coating Magic: The combination of butter-dipped chicken and parmesan-seasoned bread crumbs creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior that locks in juicy chicken flavor with a golden, mouth-watering crispness.
• Enjoy Zesty Lemon Cream Comfort: The creamy garlic sauce brings tangy brightness and rich smoothness, transforming simple pasta into a luxurious dish that tingles your taste buds with bright, silky notes.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or impressive impromptu gatherings without complicated techniques or extensive preparation.
• Celebrate Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: The balanced flavors appeal to both kids and adults, offering a foolproof meal that combines familiar comfort food elements with sophisticated culinary touches everyone will love.

Ingredients for Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein source that creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior when breaded and pan-fried.

• Bread Crumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a crunchy, flavorful coating that adds texture and rich, savory taste to the chicken.
• Flour: Helps the breading adhere to the chicken and creates a crisp, golden crust.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy chicken coating and smooth pasta sauce.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy base for the pasta sauce with a velvety texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty flavor to both the chicken coating and pasta sauce.

• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy notes that cut through the richness of the cream sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the sauce and chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light, herbal freshness to the dish.

How to Make Chicken and Lemon Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Butter Station

Melt of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. In a separate shallow dish, melt the remaining of butter.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

• Bread crumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Flour

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast into melted butter, then thoroughly coat in the bread crumb mixture.

Step 4: Cook Chicken to Perfection

Place coated chicken in the skillet and cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare Pasta Base

Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain completely.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

• Heavy whipping cream
• Additional parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk ingredients and cook over medium-high heat until sauce thickens.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked pasta thoroughly in the prepared creamy sauce.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Serve crispy chicken directly over the creamy lemon garlic pasta. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish.

Tips for Crispy Chicken and Creamy Pasta

• Choose High-Quality Chicken: Select fresh, evenly-sized chicken breasts to ensure uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Butter Dipping Technique: Ensure complete butter coating by gently pressing chicken into melted butter, creating a perfect crispy exterior.
• Breadcrumb Coating Trick: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to help create a crunchy, golden-brown crust that locks in moisture.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat while cooking chicken to achieve a crispy outside without burning the breading.
• Sauce Whisking Tip: Continuously whisk lemon garlic sauce to prevent separation and create a smooth, creamy consistency that clings perfectly to pasta.

How to Store and Reheat Easily

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Chicken: Warm chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to preserve its crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make the breading soggy and tough.
• Pasta Reheating: Gently reheat pasta in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir carefully over medium-low heat until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.

Great Sides for This Pasta Dish

• Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this crispy chicken with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc. Its bright, citrusy notes perfectly complement the lemon garlic sauce and cut through the richness of the parmesan crust.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens will balance the creamy pasta and provide a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken.
• Roasted Veggie Partner: Serve some roasted asparagus or green beans on the side. These tender vegetables will add color, nutrition, and a subtle earthy flavor that enhances the main dish's richness.
• Crusty Bread Bonus: Include a slice of warm, crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious lemon garlic cream sauce. It'll add a delightful textural element and help you enjoy every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Flavorful Variations to Try

• Herb-Infused Chicken Pasta: Replace bread crumbs with crushed herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version. Add fresh chopped basil to the pasta sauce for extra flavor complexity.
• Spicy Cajun Parmesan Chicken: Incorporate Cajun seasoning into the bread crumb mixture for a bold, zesty kick. Use cayenne pepper and paprika to enhance the heat level and create a dynamic flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Almond Chicken Option: Substitute bread crumbs with ground almond meal and gluten-free flour. Use almond milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce while maintaining creamy texture. Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds on top for added crunch and nutty undertones.
• Mediterranean Feta Chicken Variation: Swap parmesan with crumbled feta cheese in the coating and sauce. Add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives to the pasta for a Greek-inspired culinary experience. Garnish with fresh dill instead of parsley to complete the Mediterranean theme.

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Over Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Parmesan Chicken over Creamy Lemon Garlic Pasta brings Italian-inspired comfort to dinner tables with irresistible flavor. Crunchy golden chicken nestles atop silky pasta, promising a delightful meal that satisfies both elegance and hearty hunger.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced in half
• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta of choice (e.g., thin spaghetti)
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated parmesan, plus additional for pasta

Breading and Coating:

• ½ cup (60 grams) italian bread crumbs
• ¼ cup (30 grams) flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter, divided
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet by melting of butter over medium heat, creating a golden cooking surface.
2. Create two separate shallow dishes: in one, melt the remaining of butter, and in the other, mix bread crumbs, of parmesan cheese, and all-purpose flour until evenly combined.
3. Carefully dredge each chicken breast through the melted butter, ensuring complete coverage, then thoroughly coat with the seasoned bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere.
4. Gently place the breaded chicken into the preheated skillet, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until the exterior turns golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. While the chicken cooks, prepare the pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot, then drain thoroughly in a colander.
6. In a medium skillet, whisk together heavy whipping cream, additional parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, creating a smooth sauce.
7. Simmer the sauce over medium-high heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and develops a rich, creamy consistency.
8. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated.
9. Plate the creamy pasta as a base, then top with the crispy parmesan chicken, and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Crisp up chicken perfectly by using a combination of butter-dipped coating and bread crumb mixture for maximum golden-brown texture.
• Ensure even cooking of chicken by maintaining medium heat and flipping each side for 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
• Create a luxurious lemon garlic cream sauce by whisking parmesan, cream, and seasonings over medium-high heat until it reaches a rich, velvety consistency.
• Achieve restaurant-quality flavor by using freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged grated cheese for deeper, more authentic taste.
• Save time by preparing sauce and coating ingredients while pasta is cooking to streamline the entire meal preparation process.
• Elevate the dish’s presentation by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley, adding a pop of color and bright herbaceous notes to the final plate.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 585 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg