If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Crispy Chicken with Creamy Garlic Rosemary Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brilliantly combines perfectly seared, crispy chicken breasts with a luxuriously creamy pasta sauce infused with fragrant garlic and fresh rosemary. It’s comfort food elevated with simple, fresh ingredients that come together quickly but offer an irresistible balance of texture and flavor that will have you wanting seconds—maybe even thirds. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers satisfying richness without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the tender bite of the chicken to the velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta, every element is essential and works beautifully together.
- 200 grams dried pasta (or 300 grams fresh pasta): The foundation of the dish, providing comforting carbs and a perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce.
- 1 chicken breast: Offers a juicy and protein-rich component that becomes wonderfully crispy when cooked.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Helps create a light coating on the chicken for that irresistible crispiness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped): Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves (roughly chopped): Introduces a woodsy, herbal brightness that lifts the creaminess.
- ¾ cup cream: The star of the sauce, delivering luscious smoothness and body.
- 50 grams parmesan (very finely grated): Brings a sharp, salty flavor that enriches the sauce and adds umami.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Olive oil for frying: Uses healthy fats and ensures a beautifully golden crust on the chicken.
- Lemon juice and zest for garnish: Provides a fresh, zesty finish that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Crispy Chicken with Creamy Garlic Rosemary Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Begin by boiling your pasta in generously salted water but cook it a minute less than the package instructions recommend. This undercooking technique ensures the pasta finishes cooking in the sauce later, absorbing those incredible flavors. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid is the secret to transforming your sauce into something silky and perfectly clingy.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken for Even Cooking and Crispiness
Take your chicken breast and gently flatten it to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin inside a plastic wrap. This step is key for uniform cooking so you won’t end up with dry edges. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, and then dust it lightly with flour. The flour will create a light crust, giving you that signature crispiness every bite deserves.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken Until Golden and Juicy
Heat a good splash of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat, then carefully place the chicken breast in the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, just until it’s golden brown and thoroughly cooked but still juicy inside. Remove the chicken and wrap it loosely in foil to keep warm and allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 4: Build the Flavors for the Creamy Sauce
Using the same pan (which still has all those delicious browned bits), melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped garlic and sauté gently until its scent fills your kitchen and it becomes lightly fragrant. Add in your chopped rosemary and give it a quick stir to release that herbaceous aroma, adding layers of savory goodness to the sauce.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Garlic Rosemary Sauce
Slowly add the cream to your pan, stirring continuously so it melds beautifully with the garlic and rosemary. Once the cream is warm, sprinkle in the finely grated parmesan gradually, stirring as it melts into a luscious, velvety mixture. Season with freshly ground black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the richness and brighten the flavor profile.
Step 6: Use Reserved Pasta Water to Perfect the Sauce
Now, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This technique helps the sauce thicken up naturally, while the starch in the water binds everything together into a creamy, smooth coating for your pasta. It also prevents the sauce from becoming too heavy or gluey.
Step 7: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Toss your slightly undercooked pasta directly into the sauce pan. Stir everything gently for a minute or two so each strand is coated in that irresistible garlic rosemary cream. This final mingling allows the pasta to finish cooking perfectly right in the sauce, soaking up all those lovely flavors.
Step 8: Add the Crispy Chicken
Slice your golden chicken breast and either nestle it on top of the pasta or mix it through for bite-sized pockets of crispy happiness. A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest over the whole dish gives a welcoming pop of brightness to finish it off.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken with Creamy Garlic Rosemary Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your presentation and flavor, add a few fresh rosemary sprigs or finely chopped parsley on top. A small drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few curls of parmesan can add that extra touch of elegance and enhance the aroma right before serving. Don’t forget the lemon zest or a tiny splash of lemon juice to awaken the palate and lighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to add sides, a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables pair beautifully. Garlic bread or a warm focaccia can also be fantastic to mop up any leftover sauce on your plate, making the meal feel even more indulgent and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful family-style presentation, arrange the pasta in a shallow bowl and fan the sliced crispy chicken breast over it. Alternatively, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and place a crispy chicken breast alongside, garnished with herbs and lemon zest. For a more rustic feel, toss the chicken pieces right into the pasta and finish with fresh parmesan shavings. No matter how you plate it, the presentation will invite compliments and smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Crispy Chicken with Creamy Garlic Rosemary Pasta Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken in the fridge, but it will loosen again when reheated gently.
Freezing
Freezing is possible, but the cream sauce may change texture slightly once thawed. If you want to freeze, separate the chicken and pasta with sauce into individual freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta and sauce in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Warm the chicken separately to maintain its crispy texture, either in a low oven or toaster oven. Avoid microwave reheating for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs instead of rosemary?
Absolutely! Thyme or sage can be great alternatives that complement the creamy garlic sauce well, but rosemary gives that unique woodsy aroma that pairs perfectly with chicken.
Is it necessary to undercook the pasta initially?
Yes! Undercooking the pasta slightly allows it to finish cooking in the sauce, which helps it absorb flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary a bit.
What kind of chicken breast should I use?
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Flattening them ensures even cooking and quicker pan-frying, resulting in that sought-after crispy exterior with a juicy interior.
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
After dusting with flour, you can dip the chicken in beaten egg and then coat with breadcrumbs before frying. This adds crunch, but the original flour coating keeps it simple and still delicious.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong making the Crispy Chicken with Creamy Garlic Rosemary Pasta Recipe a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve company, and the flavors feel both comforting and sophisticated. Once you make it, I guarantee it will become one of your favorite go-to meals when you want that perfect mix of creamy, crispy, and herbaceous. Trust me—your taste buds will thank you for this one.
Print
Crispy Chicken with Creamy Garlic Rosemary Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Enjoy a deliciously comforting meal of crispy pan-fried chicken paired with creamy rosemary-infused pasta. This recipe combines tender chicken breast with a rich parmesan cream sauce, fresh rosemary, and a zesty hint of lemon for a perfect dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 200 grams dried pasta (or 300 grams fresh pasta)
Chicken
- 1 chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Olive oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves (roughly chopped)
- ¾ cup cream
- 50 grams parmesan (very finely grated)
- Black pepper to taste
- Lemon juice and zest for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until just under al dente, one minute less than package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the chicken: Flatten the chicken breast to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper and lightly dust with flour.
- Fry the chicken: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken breast for about 2 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and wrap in foil to keep warm.
- Make the sauce base: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Sauté the chopped garlic until fragrant, then add chopped rosemary and cook briefly to release aroma.
- Add cream and cheese: Slowly pour cream into the pan while stirring to combine. Gradually add parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with black pepper and stir in lemon juice.
- Thicken the sauce: Pour in reserved pasta water gradually and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and gently stir for 1-2 minutes to ensure all pasta is coated well.
- Serve: Slice the crispy chicken and either top the pasta or mix into it. Garnish with lemon zest for a fresh finishing touch.
Notes
- Undercooking the pasta by a minute ensures it doesn’t become mushy when tossed with sauce.
- Flattening the chicken breast helps it cook evenly and quickly.
- Wrapping chicken in foil retains heat while making the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water contains starch that helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- Use fresh rosemary for the best aromatic flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice to your taste for desired freshness.
