This restaurant-worthy dish combines crispy, golden Parmesan-crusted chicken with tender penne pasta smothered in a velvety garlic cream sauce. It’s easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough for date night—pure comfort food magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

 Crispy, cheesy chicken – A texture lover’s dream!
 Creamy, garlicky pasta – Rich but not overly heavy.
 One-skillet sauce – Minimal cleanup.
 30-minute meal – Faster than takeout.

Ingredients You’ll Need 

For the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (60g) Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Penne & Cream Sauce:

• 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

2. Prep the Chicken

1. Mix Parmesan, Panko, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a shallow dish.
2. Dip chicken in beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

3. Pan-Fry the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 mins per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

4. Make the Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 secs.
2. Pour in cream and broth, simmering for 2-3 mins until slightly thickened.
3. Stir in Parmesan, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss with cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water if needed.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

• Slice chicken, serve over pasta, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips for Perfection 

 Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking.
 Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best meltability.
 Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor.

 Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 3 days (reheat with a splash of cream).

Serving Suggestions 

 With a crisp green salad – Balances the richness.
 Garlic bread on the side – For sauce-dipping bliss.
 A glass of Chardonnay – Perfect pairing.

Final Verdict: Comfort Food Elegance!

This Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Penne is crispy, creamy, and utterly satisfying—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make it tonight and taste the magic!