Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta: The Weeknight Wonder You’ll Make on Repeat

When you’re craving something rich, comforting, and ridiculously satisfying, this Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pastadelivers on every level. It’s got everything—juicy golden-fried chicken, tender noodles bathed in a silky garlic-parmesan cream sauce, and that magical combo of crunchy + creamy in every bite.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough to feel like a restaurant dish. Pair it with a cold drink and your favorite dessert, and you’ve got yourself a full-blown comfort feast.

---

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s just something about fried chicken and pasta that hits the soul. The chicken stays juicy thanks to a buttermilk soak and gets beautifully crisp in a seasoned flour coating. Meanwhile, the pasta simmers in a buttery, garlicky cream sauce that’s thick enough to coat every bite without feeling too heavy.

It’s like a mashup of chicken Alfredo and Southern-fried magic—and I love how adaptable it is. Want to add veggies? Toss in spinach or peas. Need a shortcut? Use rotisserie chicken and just make the sauce and pasta.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crispy Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Creamy Pasta

• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work great)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste

---

Ingredient Tips & Swaps

• No Buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit 5–10 mins.
• Lighter Sauce Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
• Add Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, baby spinach, or roasted mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Boost: Add a touch of mozzarella or Pecorino Romano for more depth in the sauce.

---

How to Make Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   Place chicken slices in buttermilk. Let soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
2. Prep the Breading:
   In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge & Fry:
   Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dredge each chicken slice in the flour mixture and fry until golden and cooked through—about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
4. Boil the Pasta:
   Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
5. Make the Sauce:
   In a large skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in heavy cream, add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes, then mix in parmesan until smooth.
6. Combine:
   Toss cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to coat. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water to loosen.
7. Assemble & Serve:
   Plate the creamy pasta, top with crispy chicken slices, and serve hot. Garnish with extra parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.

---

Tips for Crispy, Creamy Success

• Thin Chicken = Quick Frying: Thinner slices cook faster and stay juicier.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry chicken in batches for max crispiness.
• Use Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor in your cream sauce.
• Toss Pasta in the Sauce: Don’t just pour the sauce over—mix it in the pan so every bite is coated.

---

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Round out your meal with these crowd-pleasing favorites:

• Start with a dip like Beer Cheese Dip and chips or breadsticks.
• Pair with a bright drink like Blueberry Lemonade.
• Need a side? Go with garlic bread or a light Caesar salad.
• Looking for a full spread? Serve alongside Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a crowd-pleasing table.
• End the night with a dessert like Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites.

---

Storage & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat pasta in a pan with a splash of cream or milk. Warm chicken in a toaster oven or air fryer for crispiness.
• Freezing Not Ideal: The cream sauce may separate when thawed, so enjoy fresh if you can!

---

More Recipes You’ll Love

If this cozy dish hits the spot, don’t miss these other comfort-food favorites:

• Instant Pot Lasagna
• Beer Cheese Dip
• Blueberry Lemonade
• Sheet Pan Quesadillas
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites

---

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta dish is a comfort food dream come true. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, a cozy date night, or just to treat yourself—you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation.

Give it a try and let us know how it turned out! Share your plate or tag @chefmaniac on socials—we love seeing your kitchen wins. And don’t forget to follow us for more craveable, easy-to-make recipes!