Name: Italian Chicken Cutlets with Pasta and Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 8 ounces dried pasta (such as penne or linguine); 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

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Craving the comforting flavors of Italy? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Italian Chicken Cutlets with Pasta and Sauce. Tender chicken cutlets are breaded and fried to golden perfection, then paired with perfectly al dente pasta and a rich, vibrant tomato-based sauce. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, blending classic Italian tastes with a touch of home-cooked warmth.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

There’s just something about the combination of crispy chicken, al dente pasta, and a flavorful sauce that makes this recipe an absolute standout. The textures and flavors complement each other beautifully, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal. Plus, with the option to make it ahead of time or customize it to your dietary needs, this dish is truly versatile and accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
8 ounces dried pasta (such as penne or linguine)
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

The beauty of this Italian Chicken Cutlets with Pasta and Sauce recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of crispy chicken, savory pasta, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce creates the classic Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made chicken parmesan and similar dishes perennially popular.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken cutlets. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan. Set aside.
Step 2: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the panko breadcrumbs mixed with the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Dredge the chicken cutlets in the flour, dip them in the egg mixture, and then coat them evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
Step 4: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, fry the breaded chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 6: In the same skillet used for the chicken, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked pasta and the marinara sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 7: Serve the chicken cutlets over the sauced pasta, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Timing Overview

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Compared to traditional chicken parmesan which can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this Italian Chicken Cutlets with Pasta and Sauce recipe saves you 22% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 632
• Protein: 46g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 1,044mg

These Italian Chicken Cutlets with Pasta and Sauce provide approximately 65% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🌱 Healthy Swaps & Substitutions

• Reduced-fat option: Use low-fat or reduced-fat Parmesan cheese and opt for a lower-fat marinara sauce.
• Lower-carb version: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce the carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegan parmesan alternative or omit it entirely.
• Added protein: Serve the dish with a side of grilled or roasted vegetables for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Boost vegetables: Mix in sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the pasta and sauce mixture for additional vegetables.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Italian Chicken Cutlets with Pasta and Sauce.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a crisp, fresh salad.
• Pair with a glass of your favorite Italian red wine for a complete, restaurant-worthy meal.
• Complement the dish with a hearty minestrone soup or a classic Caprese salad for a well-rounded dining experience.

⚠️ Cooking Pitfalls to Skip

• Overcrowding the pan: Be sure to fry the chicken cutlets in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping the breading.
• Undercooked chicken: Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked through.
• Overcooked pasta: Keep a close eye on the pasta and drain it as soon as it reaches al dente texture to prevent it from becoming mushy.

📦 Storage & Leftovers

These Italian Chicken Cutlets with Pasta and Sauce retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Leftover chicken cutlets, pasta, and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the breaded chicken cutlets, but do not fry them. Instead, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frying.
• Freezing baked: Allow the fried chicken cutlets to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Reheating: To reheat leftover pasta and sauce, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For the chicken cutlets, you can reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore the crispy breading.

🗣️ Reader Q&A

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The chicken cutlets can be breaded and frozen unbaked for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw the cutlets in the refrigerator and then fry them as directed in the recipe. The cooked pasta and sauce can also be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.

Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?

While chicken is the star of this dish, you can certainly substitute other proteins. Pork or veal cutlets would work well, or you could use thin-sliced turkey or even plant-based chicken alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed to ensure the protein is cooked through.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan cheese from the breading and using a dairy-free marinara sauce. There are many excellent vegan Parmesan substitutes available that would work well in this recipe.

What’s the best way to reheat the leftovers?

For the best texture, reheat the fried chicken cutlets in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. The pasta and sauce can be reheated on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Can I add any extra vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of vegetable additions. Consider sautéing spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to mix into the pasta and sauce. You could also serve the chicken cutlets and pasta with a fresh side salad for extra nutrition.

🎉 Wrapping Up

These Italian Chicken Cutlets with Pasta and Sauce represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a family-friendly weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, they’re sure to impress with their crispy chicken, savory pasta, and vibrant tomato-based sauce. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Italian-inspired chicken and pasta creations demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why not give this delightful dish a try and bring a taste of Italy right to your own kitchen?