Quick and Delicious Chicken Parmesan
This Quick and Delicious Chicken Parmesan is a streamlined version of the classic dish that delivers all the rich flavors and comforting textures in just under 30 minutes. With tender chicken breasts coated in crunchy breadcrumbs, served on a bed of angel hair pasta and smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Garnish with fresh herbs for a delightful finish and serve it with a side salad for a complete meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Angel hair pasta
12 ounces (Uncooked)
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 pieces (Pounded to 1/4 inch thickness)
Egg
1 large (Lightly beaten)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (For coating)
Butter or margarine
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Spaghetti sauce
14 ounces (Prepared sauce)
Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (For sprinkling)
Fresh parsley or basil
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by prepping the chicken: place it between two sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
2
In a shallow dish, dip each chicken piece in the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
3
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook for about 8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with no pink remaining.
4
While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the spaghetti sauce around the chicken in the skillet, avoiding covering the chicken. Reduce the heat to low and warm the sauce thoroughly.
6
On a large serving platter, arrange the cooked angel hair pasta and place the golden chicken breasts on top.
7
Spoon the warm spaghetti sauce over the chicken and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8
Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick and Delicious Chicken Parmesan?
It is a streamlined version of the classic Italian dish that takes under 30 minutes to prepare, featuring breaded chicken, pasta, and marinara sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of uncooked angel hair pasta.
How thin should I pound the chicken breasts?
The chicken should be pounded to approximately 1/4 inch thickness for even and quick cooking.
What is used to coat the chicken?
The chicken is dipped in a lightly beaten egg and then coated with Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
How long should I cook the chicken in the skillet?
Cook the chicken for about 8 minutes on each side over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through.
What kind of sauce should I use?
The recipe requires 14 ounces of prepared spaghetti sauce.
What cheeses are needed for this dish?
You will need 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese.
How do I prepare the egg for dipping?
Use one large egg and beat it lightly in a shallow dish.
What fat is used to fry the chicken?
You can use 3 tablespoons of either butter or margarine.
When do I add the spaghetti sauce to the pan?
Pour the sauce around the chicken in the skillet once the chicken is fully cooked, then reduce heat to low to warm it.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it is golden brown on the outside and there is no pink remaining in the center.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Garnish with 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley or basil.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while angel hair is used for its quick cooking time, you can substitute it with your preferred pasta shape.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be a quick meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients required for this chicken parmesan recipe.
Should I cover the chicken with sauce while it is in the skillet?
No, pour the sauce around the chicken to keep the breading crispy, then spoon it over when serving.
What tools do I need to flatten the chicken?
You can use a meat mallet or a rolling pin along with heavy-duty plastic wrap.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
It refers to cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite, which is the traditional Italian way.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
The recipe specifically recommends fresh parsley or basil for the best flavor garnish.
Is the chicken breast used whole or halved?
The recipe uses 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
How much parmesan cheese is used?
One tablespoon of parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the dish before serving.
What should I serve as a side?
A side salad is a great accompaniment for a complete meal.
Do I need to salt the pasta water?
While not explicitly in the ingredients, it is standard practice to salt the water when cooking pasta according to package directions.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is prepping the chicken by pounding it between sheets of plastic wrap.
How do I assemble the final plate?
Place the pasta on a platter, top with chicken, spoon over the warm sauce, and add the cheeses.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 3 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
Is this dish considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is categorized as Italian cuisine and is a popular family-friendly chicken dish.
What should I do with excess egg when coating?
Allow the excess beaten egg to drip off the chicken before pressing it into the breadcrumbs.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
You should use 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.