Italian-American comfort food at its finest!
⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes | 👨🍳 Cook Time: 30 minutes | 🍽 Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil for frying
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) penne pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving:
- Garlic bread
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep chicken: Pound chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Set up breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan and Italian seasoning in a third.
- Bread chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip it in egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to adhere.
- Fry chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Cook pasta: While the chicken cooks, boil the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain.
- Make sauce: In the same pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add marinara sauce and cooked pasta. Toss to combine.
- Assemble: Preheat broiler. Place fried chicken in a baking dish. Top each piece with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Plate pasta in bowls. Top with chicken parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve with garlic bread.
Chef’s Tips:
- Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking
- Don’t skip the Parmesan in the breadcrumbs—it adds flavour and crisp
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking
- Make extra breadcrumbs for future use
- Substitute veal or eggplant for variations
Why It’s a Favourite:
This dish combines two Italian-American classics into one hearty meal. Crispy breaded chicken, melted cheese, tangy marinara, and pasta—what’s not to love? It’s comfort food that feels like a restaurant special!
Nutritional Highlights: High in protein, satisfying comfort food, calcium-rich from cheese