How To Make Chicken Parmesan And Pasta

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of a classic Italian dish with our comprehensive guide on how to make chicken parmesan and pasta. This culinary masterpiece combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with a rich and savory tomato sauce, all perfectly complemented by tender pasta. Follow our step-by-step instructions and elevate your home cooking skills to new heights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Parmesan:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound spaghetti or penne pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Parmesan:

1. Pound the chicken breasts: Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Create the breading station: Place the flour, Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs in separate shallow dishes.
3. Dredge the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge them first in the flour, then the egg, and finally the bread crumbs. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly.
4. Pan-fry the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Making the Tomato Sauce:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Add the tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Season the sauce: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Cooking the Pasta:

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

Assembling the Dish:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2. Spread the tomato sauce in a baking dish: Pour a thin layer of the tomato sauce into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Top with the chicken and pasta: Arrange the chicken parmesan breasts on top of the tomato sauce. Spread the cooked pasta over the chicken.
4. Cover with remaining tomato sauce: Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the chicken and pasta.
5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Finishing Touches:

1. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Garnish with parsley: For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley.

Culinary Tips and Tricks

• For a crispier chicken: Double-dredge the chicken in the flour, egg, and bread crumbs. This will create a thicker coating that will result in a more crispy exterior.
• Season the tomato sauce to your liking: Adjust the seasonings in the tomato sauce to suit your taste preferences. Add more oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes for a more flavorful sauce.
• Use a good quality tomato sauce: The quality of the tomato sauce will greatly impact the overall flavor of the dish. Choose a sauce that is rich, flavorful, and has a good balance of acidity and sweetness.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta will have a slight bite to it and will better absorb the flavors of the sauce.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes: While spaghetti and penne are classic choices, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle would all work well.

A Symphony of Flavors: The Perfect Pairing

The combination of crispy chicken parmesan, savory tomato sauce, and tender pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your palate. The crispy exterior of the chicken contrasts perfectly with the soft and juicy interior, while the rich tomato sauce adds a tangy and flavorful element. The pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce and provides a satisfying base for the dish.

The Art of Presentation: A Visual Feast

When presenting your chicken parmesan and pasta, pay attention to the visual appeal. Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the pasta and spoon the tomato sauce over them. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a touch of elegance. Consider serving the dish in a shallow bowl or on a plate with a colorful rim to enhance its visual impact.

The Perfect Accompaniment: Side Dish Suggestions

To complement your chicken parmesan and pasta, consider serving a side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing. The fresh and crisp greens will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the main dish. Alternatively, you could serve a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or zucchini. The sweetness and earthy flavors of the vegetables will balance out the savory flavors of the chicken parmesan and pasta.

Embracing Culinary Creativity: Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to experiment with variations and substitutions to create your own unique take on this classic dish. For a healthier version, use whole-wheat pasta or breadcrumbs. To add a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or chili powder into the tomato sauce. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can substitute Asiago or Romano cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: How can I make the chicken parmesan ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the chicken parmesan and tomato sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the dish and bake according to the instructions.

Q: Can I freeze chicken parmesan and pasta?

A: Yes, you can freeze chicken parmesan and pasta for up to 3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Q: What other sauces can I use with chicken parmesan?

A: Besides tomato sauce, you can use other sauces such as Alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, or even a pesto sauce. Choose a sauce that complements the flavors of the chicken and pasta.