Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Recipe (with GF Option) (2024)

FAQs

What is the best pasta to serve with chicken parmesan? ›

A thicker, stout pasta shape, like a ridged rigatoni, works well with chicken parmesan because it matches the heft and satisfying texture of the protein. The sauce is also able to cling to the ridges on the surface of the pasta and become a vehicle for aromatics, like crushed garlic and fresh herbs.

Instead of the egg, Moskowitz recommends a mix of cornstarch and water, which, when stirred together, forms a slurry. It, too, is an effective glue, and you may even notice more crispness to, say, your chicken parm. This would also be another good scenario for a liquid vegan substitute.

Pasta Dishes

A bona fide classic, nothing goes better with a cheesy, chicken parmigiana recipe than a hearty pasta side. Pasta recipes are tasty and simple, which makes them the ultimate pairing for your protein-packed main.

In the United States and Canada, chicken parmesan is often served as a main course, and sometimes with a side of, or on top of pasta. Many restaurants also offer chicken parm sandwiches.

You see, in Italy, Parmesan cheese is reserved for pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces, cream sauces, and meat-based dishes. Adding Parmesan cheese to a seafood-based dish, like spaghetti with clams, is a big no-no. It's like adding ketchup to a steak or pineapple on a pizza – it just doesn't belong!

Delicate and ultra-crisp, sugar-free cornflakes also make a great breadcrumb or panko substitute, especially for coating chicken. Crush them with a rolling pin in a large plastic bag to turn them into crumbs.

Chicken Parmesan and chicken Parmigiana are just different names for the same exact recipe. And, with a name like “chicken Parmigiana”, you might assume that this recipe is Italian. While it has roots in Italy (in a way), chicken Parmesan is all-American.

Chicken Parmigiana's History

Believe it or not, there was not readily accessible chicken in Parma, Italy, so the idea started with thin slices of eggplant covered in Neapolitan tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Is chicken parmesan healthy to eat? ›

Is Chicken Parmesan Healthy? This dish is a good source of protein and marinara sauce is a good source of vitamins A and B₆, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

You Don't Start Dry

The first step to breading chicken is crucial; make sure the chicken is completely dry before starting the dredging process. Using a paper towel, pat the meat dry on all sides. Excess moisture will cause the flour to get soggy and thus will not adhere properly to the chicken.

Boiling your pasta in chicken stock gives your pasta (and the resulting dish) more flavor. Feel free to experiment with any type you like, such as beef, vegetable, or even turkey. Chicken stock lends cooked pasta a subtle, somewhat meaty flavor that won't overwhelm the rest of your ingredients.

As a general rule, pair the heartier sauces with the wider noodles: Wide ribbons like pappardelle pair well with rich, meaty sauces while the thinner flat noodles, like fettuccine or linguine, are best paired with simple cream sauces like Alfredo or delicate proteins like seafood.

In Italy they eat much less chicken than people think. We don't eat chicken with pasta or pizza, ever! There is no real reason, many recipes simply do not include chicken in traditional Italian cuisine.

In much the same way you should never put Parmesan on your main course, you must also never add it to risotto or pasta dishes that are made with seafood. The general thinking is – much the same as the main course rule above – that the strong cheese flavour will overwhelm the delicate taste of the fish.

The short ingredient list—pasta, butter, and Parmesan—means this is the place to be choosy, particularly with the cheese. Parmigiano-Reggiano (look for its name stamped on the side) is the classic choice and will absolutely give you the best flavor, but there are less expensive substitutes.