Description
Creamy Crunchy Chicken Pasta is a delicious blend of crispy fried chicken strips served over tender pasta smothered in a rich, creamy Parmesan and Cajun-spiced sauce, enhanced with sautéed red and green peppers for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1–2 cups oil for frying
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
For the Sauce
- 1/2 red pepper, diced
- 1/2 green pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta and Garnish
- 1 box (about 12-16 oz) of your favorite pasta (linguine or cavatappi)
- Parsley for garnish, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oil: Heat 1-2 cups of oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until ready for frying.
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Dip each strip into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with Italian-style breadcrumbs.
- Fry Chicken: Shallow fry the breaded chicken strips in the hot oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and partially cooked. Then, finish cooking them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes while preparing the sauce.
- Make Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the diced red and green peppers, along with the minced garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it into the simmering sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is fully coated and heated through on low heat.
- Assemble: Slice the cooked chicken strips if not already, and arrange them on top of the creamy pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F for perfect frying results.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushy texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Finish frying chicken in the oven to guarantee thorough cooking without overcooking the breadcrumbs.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for added freshness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
