Easy And Delicious: How To Make Chicken Parmesan And Pasta

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of classic Italian cuisine with our comprehensive guide on how to make mouthwatering chicken parmesan and pasta. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, this step-by-step walkthrough will empower you to create a delectable dish that will impress your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Gather Your Ingredients

To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Breadcrumbs: Italian breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese
• Eggs: Large eggs
• Flour: All-purpose flour
• Marinara sauce: Your favorite marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Pasta: Your preferred pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or linguine)

Prepare the Chicken

1. Tenderize the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
2. Create the breading station: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the flour, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumbs.

Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the oil: Heat a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Drain the chicken: Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Make the Pasta

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2. Drain the pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander.

Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the marinara sauce: Spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish.
3. Place the chicken: Arrange the fried chicken breasts on top of the marinara sauce.
4. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
5. Bake: Bake the chicken parmesan for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Top with pasta: Serve the baked chicken parmesan over the cooked pasta.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil or oregano for an aromatic touch.
3. Savor the flavors: Dig in and savor the delectable blend of crispy chicken, savory marinara sauce, and melted cheese.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken, Parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce will elevate the flavor of your dish.
• Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before breading for extra flavor.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will become dry and tough. Fry until just cooked through.
• Use a good quality marinara sauce: A flavorful marinara sauce is key to a delicious chicken parmesan.
• Let the dish rest: Allow the chicken parmesan to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Variations

• Chicken parmesan sliders: Make bite-sized sliders by using smaller chicken breasts and cutting the bread into squares.
• Eggplant parmesan: Substitute eggplant slices for the chicken breasts for a vegetarian option.
• Spicy chicken parmesan: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breading for a kick of heat.
• Creamy chicken parmesan: Top the chicken with a layer of Alfredo sauce before baking.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before breading and frying.

Q: What can I serve with chicken parmesan and pasta?
A: A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad would complement the dish nicely.

Q: How do I store leftover chicken parmesan?
A: Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Q: Can I make chicken parmesan in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken parmesan up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the dish and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q: What is the best type of pasta to use with chicken parmesan?
A: Any type of pasta can be used, but long noodles like spaghetti or linguine are traditional choices.