Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan and Fettuccine
Try this Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan and Fettuccine recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan and Fettuccine recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried italian seasoning
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup flour (i used all-purpose but whole wheat would be healthier!)
- 1 package pasta preferably long noodles like fettucc
- 1 jar of your favorite marinara (or homemade sauce!). i like spicy arrabbiata sauce.
- fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese for serving
- Carbohydrate 40.3786207692308 g
- Cholesterol 228.564340475 mg
- Fat 16.3969060589615 g
- Fiber 2.91453852057457 g
- Protein 63.7472108758365 g
- Saturated Fat 7.757283557875 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (307g)
- Sodium 1496.80878341667 mg
- Sugar 37.4640822486562 g
- Trans Fat 1.74640509633654 g
- Calories 578 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat an oven to 400 degrees, and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil coated with non-stick spray.
- Slice two chicken breasts horizontally to create four, thinner chicken breasts about ¼" to ½" thick, or pound chicken to desired thinness and slice into four equal portions.
- Brine the chicken by placing the breasts in a large bowl and covering them with warm water. Season the water with a tablespoon of salt. After 15 minutes, dry the chicken breasts completely with paper towels.
- On a small plate, combine the flour with 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, and the zest of one lemon. Stir to combine.
- In a medium bowl, crack and whisk 2 eggs and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- On another small plate, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning.
- One breast at a time, completely coat the chicken in the flour first, shaking off the excess, then the egg wash, and finally the breadcrumbs. Press the chicken into the breadcrumbs to make sure they stick. Place each coated breast on the baking sheet, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil salted water in a pot and cook your pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest.
- In a large skillet, warm ½ a jar of pasta sauce until it comes to a simmer.
- Finish cooking the pasta for 2 minutes in the sauce to coat.
- When the chicken is done, top each breast with more sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Place in the oven for 5 more minutes, (turning on the broiler would make the cheese nice and golden!).
- Serve the chicken with the pasta, and top with freshly chopped basil and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan and Fettuccine
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and a never-ending to-do list, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've developed a go-to recipe that's both quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful: Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan and Fettuccine.
This recipe is a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients to match your preferences and what you have on hand. For example, I often use different herbs and spices to switch up the flavor profile, or I’ll swap the fettuccine for another pasta shape like penne or linguine. Sometimes, if I'm feeling particularly ambitious, I'll even make my own marinara sauce from scratch – but honestly, a good quality jarred sauce works perfectly fine!
The key to this recipe is the perfectly crispy chicken. Breading the chicken is incredibly simple and ensures that each bite is a delightful crunch. Baking it instead of frying it cuts down on the fat and cleanup, making it a healthier and more convenient option. And let's be honest, who doesn't love the gooey, melty mozzarella cheese on top? It’s the perfect finishing touch.
What I love most about this dish:
- Speed and Efficiency: This recipe comes together relatively quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of crispy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and creamy mozzarella is simply irresistible.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your tastes and dietary needs.
- Easy Cleanup: Baking the chicken means less mess and less time spent cleaning up.
- Family-Friendly: This is a dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Brining the chicken: Brining the chicken for 15 minutes adds moisture and flavor.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Make sure you have enough space between the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness to the dish.
- Experiment with different cheeses: Feel free to try different types of cheese, such as provolone or parmesan.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced and nutritious meal.
This Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan and Fettuccine recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, delicious cooking. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest of days, you can still enjoy a heartwarming and flavorful dinner with minimal effort. So next time you’re short on time but craving a delicious meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
Beyond the Weeknight: This recipe is also perfect for a casual weekend dinner party. It’s impressive enough to wow your guests but easy enough to prepare without stressing over complicated techniques. The beautiful thing is that you can prep much of it ahead of time – breading the chicken and prepping the pasta sauce can be done earlier in the day. This means you can enjoy the company of your guests without being stuck in the kitchen all evening.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out.
