Crispy Parmesan Chicken and Linguine
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
Experience the perfect harmony of flavors with this delightful recipe that combines crispy Parmesan chicken with linguine in a delectable way. Each component of this dish could stand alone as a satisfying meal, but together they create a truly mouthwatering experience. The chicken is coated in a flavorful Parmesan crust, while the linguine is infused with garlic, cheese, and a hint of red pepper flakes. This recipe invites you to get creative with your seasoning for the chicken, allowing you to put your own spin on this classic pairing. Perfect for a high-protein, delicious meal that’s ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
For the Linguine:
- 12 ounces linguine
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place each chicken breast half between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crispy texture.
- In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, cayenne pepper, and ground black pepper. In another dish, place egg whites.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg whites, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside, and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
-
Prepare the Linguine:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the linguine and return it to the pot.
- In a separate small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour the garlic-infused oil over the cooked linguine. Toss well to coat the pasta with the oil and garlic.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the pasta, but be mindful to avoid lumps of melted cheese.
-
Assemble and Serve:
- Divide the linguine among four plates. Top each serving with a piece of the crispy Parmesan chicken.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!