pasta

Chicken Parm Pasta! A great dinner dish

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Instructions:

  1. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  3. Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets.
  4. Using a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, some salt, and black pepper.
  5. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs.
  6. In a third shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, rosemary, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
  7. Dip each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture.
  8. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
  9. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  10. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  11. Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
  12. Stir in the chopped basil.
  13. Transfer the cooked spaghetti to a large baking dish.
  14. Arrange the chicken cutlets on top of the spaghetti.
  15. Pour the tomato sauce over the chicken and spaghetti.
  16. Top with the sliced mozzarella cheese.
  17. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  18. Serve hot and enjoy!

You can adjust the amount of rosemary to your liking, but it adds a delicious herbaceous flavor to the dish. Enjoy your chicken parmesan pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.

A great stovetop dinner:

My sister gave me this recipe, and it’s one of my go-to meals for a great dinner. It’s a cheesy pasta dish, but it also has enough protein to make it heartier. Plus, I love that it’s quick and easy to make, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

One of the best things about this recipe is the combination of tender chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. The fresh rosemary adds a fragrant and earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. It’s a great way to add a little bit of sophistication to an otherwise simple dish.

I usually serve this chicken parmesan pasta with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. But it’s also great on its own, especially if you’re looking for something quick and satisfying. It’s the perfect comfort food, and I always feel happy and full after eating it.

Overall, this chicken parmesan pasta is one of my favorite recipes to make at home. It’s simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile enough that you can customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables or switching up the cheese. Give it a try – I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

Other great reads:

  1. “20 Fun and Creative Pasta Recipes” from Delish: https://www.delish.com/cooking/g4159/fun-creative-pasta-recipes/
  2. “15 Easy and Delicious Pasta Recipes” from Food Network: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/photos/easy-pasta-recipes
  3. “Classic Chicken Parmesan” from Bon Appétit: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/classic-chicken-parmesan

Curious to know more about the UpFront Foodie? Check out our “About” section to learn more!

22 April 2023 by Recipes 0

My Pasta Carbonara: fun and tasty

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 4 slices of bacon, diced
  • 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
  3. Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to the bacon fat and cook until the mushrooms are tender and the garlic is fragrant.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese until combined.
  5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the mushrooms and garlic. Toss to combine.
  6. Remove the pan from heat and add the egg mixture. Toss quickly to coat the pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
  7. Add the bacon back to the pan and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot.

Pasta is good for the soul

Oh, how I love a good carbonara! This classic Italian dish is one of my all-time favorites. The combination of pasta, eggs, cheese, and bacon is simply irresistible. But I have to admit, I like to put my own spin on this classic recipe. One thing I like to do is add sautéed mushrooms to the dish. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor that really takes it to the next level.

I learned a trick for cooking pasta from a friend years ago that has completely changed the way I make it. Instead of just adding a pinch of salt to the boiling water, I add enough salt to make it taste like seawater. It might sound like a lot, but trust me, it makes a huge difference in the flavor of the pasta. I also like to add other seasonings to the water, like garlic, bay leaves, or even a sprig of rosemary. It infuses the pasta with so much flavor.

When it comes to making carbonara, timing is everything. You want to make sure the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce is ready to go. You don’t want to overcook the pasta, or it will become mushy and lose its texture. And you don’t want to let the sauce sit too long, or it will become too thick and start to clump.

I like to serve carbonara with a simple salad on the side. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. And of course, a glass of wine is always a nice touch. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. It’s simple, elegant, and delicious.

~Denny

More carbonara fun for my carbonara lovers:

  1. “Spaghetti Carbonara” recipe from Bon Appétit: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/spaghetti-carbonara
  2. “Classic Spaghetti Carbonara” recipe from Delish: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a26870200/classic-spaghetti-carbonara-recipe/
  3. “10 Tips for Perfect Pasta” article from Food Network: https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/perfect-pasta

Curious to know more about the UpFront Foodie? Check out our “About” section to learn more!

14 April 2023 by Recipes 0