Creamy Parmesan Chicken (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Breading and Chicken
01 -
1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese
02 -
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
03 -
Black pepper, to taste
04 -
Kosher salt, to taste
05 -
1 pound chicken strips or tenders
→ Vegetables and Pasta
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
07 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
08 -
Crushed red pepper flakes, as preferred
09 -
2 bell peppers, diced
10 -
3-4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning mix
11 -
1 pound of your favorite short pasta
→ For the Sauce
12 -
1/2 cup canned coconut milk or heavy cream
13 -
2 ounces of softened cream cheese
14 -
2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
15 -
4 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
16 -
2 cups of milk
# Instructions:
01 -
Salt a big pot of water and get it boiling. Follow the pasta package directions and cook until just tender. Drain and put it aside for later.
02 -
Mix the Panko breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup of the parmesan in a shallow dish. Coat both sides of the chicken in this mix, pressing down so it sticks well. Set aside once coated.
03 -
Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big skillet set on medium-high. Toss in the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the bell peppers and garlic, cooking another 5 minutes until soft. Mix in the Cajun spices, crushed pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir for a minute, then pour in the heavy cream with the milk. Add the cream cheese and whisk it together until smooth. Simmer lightly for about 5-8 minutes until it slightly thickens.
04 -
In another big skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Fry the chicken on both sides for 3-4 minutes each until it’s crispy and golden. Move to a cutting board, sprinkle with a little salt, and slice into strips.
05 -
Stir the leftover parmesan into the sauce, then toss in your pasta. Cook for another 3-5 minutes over low heat, stirring until the pasta is coated. Turn off the heat and mix in parsley.
06 -
Spoon the pasta onto plates, laying the chicken strips on top. Dig in while it’s hot!
# Notes:
01 -
To create your own Cajun spice mix, combine smoked paprika, powdered garlic, powdered onion, oregano, thyme, chili powder, cayenne, kosher salt, and pepper.