Crispy Chicken Cutlet with Lemon Parmesan Pasta
This dish pairs golden, crispy chicken cutlets with silky lemon-parmesan pasta. It’s bright, herby, and comforting without being heavy — perfect for a Mediterranean-style dinner that feels indulgent but balanced.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
Crispy Chicken Cutlets
2 chicken breasts, butterflied
Salt & black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
1 egg, beaten
½ cup breadcrumbs (whole-wheat or panko)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
1 tbsp olive oil
Lemon Parmesan Pasta
180 g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½–1 lemon (to taste)
2 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup grated Parmesan
2–3 tbsp reserved pasta water
Salt & black pepper
Optional Garnish
Fresh parsley or basil
Chili flakes
Extra Parmesan
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
Dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan
2️⃣ Cook Chicken
Pan-fry method:
Heat olive oil in a pan, cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through
Healthier baked method:
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–20 minutes, flipping once
3️⃣ Cook Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente
Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain
4️⃣ Make Lemon Parmesan Sauce
In the pasta pot, add olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and pasta water
Toss in pasta and Parmesan
Season with salt and pepper and toss until glossy and creamy
5️⃣ Serve
Plate lemon parmesan pasta
Top with crispy chicken cutlet
Garnish with herbs and extra cheese
Tips
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness
Add spinach or arugula to pasta for a lighter feel
For weight loss: use air-fried chicken and slightly less pasta
Swap pasta with zucchini noodles for low-carb option
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Mediterranean-friendly?
Yes — olive oil, lemon, herbs, Parmesan, and simple cooking
Can I meal prep this?
Yes — store pasta and chicken separately
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta
Can I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbs: 45 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 4 g