Chicken Parmigiana with Penne

 

Chicken Parmigiana with Penne

Chicken Parmigiana, a conventional Italian-American dish, is all approximately gentle chicken breasts covered in a crispy breadcrumb crust, smothered in rich tomato sauce, and crowned with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Pairing it with penne pasta makes it a comforting, hearty meal best for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

4 boneless, skinless bird breasts

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 huge eggs, crushed

1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups marinara or tomato sauce

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

400g penne pasta

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken:

Begin by using lightly pounding the chook breasts to even thickness, about 1–1.Five cm. Season both aspects with salt and pepper.

2. Breading Process:

Prepare three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with overwhelmed eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Coat each hen breast in flour, shaking off the extra, dip into the eggs, then press into the breadcrumb combination till absolutely lined.

3. Cook the Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken breasts for 3–four minutes per side, till golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a baking dish.

4. Add Sauce and Cheese:

Spoon marinara sauce generously over each chook breast, then pinnacle with shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan for a richer taste.

5. Bake:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (four hundred°F). Bake the hen for 15–20 minutes, or till the cheese is melted, bubbly, and barely golden.

6. Cook the Penne:

While the hen bakes, carry a huge pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne in line with package deal instructions till al dente. Drain and toss lightly with a bit of olive oil or reserved tomato sauce.

7. Serve:

Place a part of penne on each plate, top with a chicken breast, and spoon a few extra sauce over the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Tips & Variations

For Extra Flavor: Add garlic powder or Italian herbs to the breadcrumb blend.

Cheese Options: Mix mozzarella with provolone for a richer soften.

Healthier Version: Bake the breaded hen in place of frying to lessen oil content.

Pasta Twist: Use complete wheat or gluten-free penne for a lighter or allergen-pleasant alternative.

Why This Dish Works

The mixture of crispy bird, gooey cheese, and tangy tomato sauce paired with gentle pasta makes this dish a favorite across generations. It’s visually attractive, fragrant, and fulfilling, balancing textures and flavors perfectly.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with a aspect salad or garlic bread for a whole Italian-style meal.