Ingredients
1 pound chicken cutlets or tenders
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
1 pound short cut pasta (such as penne or bow-tie)
1 medium yellow onion
2 chopped bell peppers
3 cloves garlic
3–4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (homemade blend: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, chili powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper)
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk
2 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons butter
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1-First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 pound of short cut pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set it aside.
2-Next, in a shallow bowl, mix 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, then press 1 pound chicken cutlets or tenders into this mixture to coat both sides firmly.
3-While that’s prepped, heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté 1 medium yellow onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
4-Add 2 chopped bell peppers and 3 cloves garlic; cook another 5 minutes until the peppers soften.
5-Stir in 3-4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
6-Pour in 2 cups milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk, then add 2 ounces cream cheese and whisk until smooth.
7-Simmer the sauce gently for 5-8 minutes until it thickens slightly.
8-In a separate skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
9-Season with kosher salt and slice thinly.
10-Finally, stir the remaining 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, add the cooked pasta, and cook for 3-5 minutes to blend the flavors.
11-Stir in chopped fresh parsley and serve the pasta topped with the sliced crispy chicken.
Notes
🧀 Use cream cheese sparingly to create a silky smooth sauce without overpowering.
🍗 Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken for a crispy coating that stays.
🌶️ Customize the seasoning and add veggies like roasted broccoli or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Gluten (contains gluten in breadcrumbs and pasta)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 505 kcal
