The Best Romano Chicken with Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe Ever

Crispy Romano chicken enhances ordinary weeknight dinners into something spectacular.

Cheese-crusted poultry promises a delightful culinary adventure that elevates home cooking.

Tender meat gets a sophisticated upgrade with a golden, crunchy exterior that locks in incredible flavor.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate this simple yet impressive dish that balances texture and taste.

Light, zesty lemon garlic pasta provides the perfect complementary side, creating a harmonious plate bursting with Mediterranean-inspired notes.

Each bite blends creamy, tangy, and savory elements into a mouthwatering experience that feels both comforting and elegant.

Rich parmesan and Romano cheeses create a robust coating that seals in juiciness and adds irresistible depth.

Romano Chicken with Lemon Garlic Pasta: A Standout Meal

• Crisp and Flavorful Coating: The combination of Romano cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and seasoned egg creates a golden, crunchy exterior that locks in the chicken's juiciness while delivering an irresistible texture and rich flavor profile.
• Zesty Lemon Garlic Sauce Magic: The bright, tangy lemon paired with aromatic garlic transforms ordinary pasta into a vibrant, creamy dish that tingles your taste buds and adds sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired notes to the meal.
• Quick and Easy Gourmet Experience: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or impressive impromptu gatherings without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Versatile Comfort Food Upgrade: By combining classic chicken cutlets with a luxurious pasta base, this dish elevates traditional comfort food into a memorable meal that appeals to both adults and kids with its approachable yet elegant presentation.

Ingredients for Romano Chicken with Lemon Garlic Pasta

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Cutlets: Thin, tender cuts perfect for quick cooking and easy breading with crispy coating.
• Parmesan or Romano Cheese: Provides a rich, salty flavor and helps create a crispy exterior for the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and airy breading that creates an extra crispy texture for the chicken.
• Egg: Helps breadcrumbs and cheese adhere to the chicken, creating a golden crust.

• Pasta: The base of the dish, ready to absorb the flavorful lemon garlic sauce.
• Lemon: Adds bright, citrusy freshness to the pasta sauce.
• Garlic: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the pasta sauce.
• Whipping Cream: Creates a rich, smooth texture for the pasta sauce.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of both chicken and pasta.
• Dry Parsley: Adds a subtle herbal note to the egg mixture for breading.
• Butter: Helps create a smooth, velvety sauce with a rich flavor.
• Cooking Oil: Used for frying the chicken to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Cooking Instructions for Romano Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Dredging Stations

• Grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
• Beaten egg with dried parsley
• Panko breadcrumbs

Arrange dishes in order for easy coating process.

Step 2: Season And Coat Chicken

Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.

• First, coat in cheese
• Dip in egg mixture
• Roll in panko breadcrumbs

Press coating gently to ensure it sticks firmly.

Step 3: Fry Chicken To Golden Perfection

Heat oil in skillet over medium-low temperature.

Carefully place coated chicken cutlets in pan.

Cook until exterior turns golden brown and chicken is fully cooked.

Flip once during cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta following package instructions.

Save half cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 5: Create Lemon Garlic Sauce

• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Pepper

Reduce liquid by half over medium heat.

Step 6: Finish Sauce

Add cold butter one tablespoon at a time.

Stir continuously while butter melts.

Pour in whipping cream.

Mix in reserved pasta water.

Step 7: Combine Pasta With Sauce

Toss cooked pasta in lemon garlic sauce.

Ensure pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8: Plate And Serve

Place lemon garlic pasta on serving plate.

Top with crispy Romano chicken cutlets.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Juicy Chicken and Balanced Lemon Garlic Pasta

• Cheese Coating Trick: Press the cheese and breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to create a crispy, even layer that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain medium-low heat to ensure the chicken browns evenly without burning, creating a perfect golden crust.
• Pasta Water Magic: Always save some pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• Butter Emulsion Technique: Add cold butter gradually and stir constantly to create a rich, glossy sauce without separation.
• Zest Boost: Grate lemon zest directly into the sauce for an intense citrus flavor that brightens the entire dish.

How to Store and Reheat Romano Chicken with Pasta

• Refrigerate: Transfer chicken and pasta to airtight containers. Store separately to maintain crispness. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Chicken: Warm gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Place on a baking sheet to prevent soggy breading and restore crispiness.
• Pasta Refresh: Sprinkle a few drops of water before microwaving. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly and prevent drying out.

Sides That Go Well with Romano Chicken Pasta

• Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this Romano chicken with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's bright acidity perfectly cuts through the rich, creamy pasta and complements the lemony notes.
• Fresh Side Salad Boost: Create a light arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, lemon vinaigrette, and toasted pine nuts. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will balance the chicken's richness.
• Herbaceous Herb Accent: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley over the dish just before serving. These herbs will add a pop of color and enhance the lemon and garlic flavors, making each bite more vibrant.
• Crisp Vegetable Sidekick: Roast asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The tender-crisp texture and subtle green flavor will provide a wonderful contrast to the creamy pasta and crispy chicken.

Fresh Variations on Romano Chicken Pasta

• Herby Romano Delight: Replace dry parsley with fresh chopped basil and thyme in the egg mixture, adding an aromatic herb profile to the chicken coating.
• Spicy Mediterranean Mix: Incorporate red pepper flakes and dried oregano into the breadcrumb mixture, then serve the chicken over a light Greek-style pasta with crumbled feta cheese.
• Creamy Pesto Fusion: Swap lemon garlic sauce with homemade basil pesto, blending roasted pine nuts and adding a dollop of mascarpone for extra richness.
• Zesty Citrus Chicken: Use orange zest instead of lemon, mix orange juice into the cream sauce, and sprinkle toasted almond slivers over the finished dish for a bright, nutty flavor.

Romano Chicken with Lemon Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Zesty Romano chicken dances with tangy lemon garlic pasta, creating Mediterranean magic on your plate. Fresh herbs and parmesan cheese elevate this simple yet elegant dish into a restaurant-worthy experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• ½ pound (226 grams) chicken breasts, butterflied or thinly cut into cutlets
• 1 egg, beaten

Dairy and Cheese:

• ½ cup finely grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, divided
• 2–3 tablespoons whipping cream

Seasoning and Coating:

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Dry parsley, to taste
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

Pasta and Citrus:

• ½ pound (226 grams) linguine, spaghetti, or other pasta
• Juice from 1 lemon
• Zest from ¼ lemon

Oils:

• Olive oil and sunflower oil combination for frying

Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Prepare three shallow dishes: first with grated Romano cheese, second with whisked egg and dry parsley, third with panko breadcrumbs.
2. Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then meticulously coat each piece by first dredging in cheese, next dipping in egg mixture, and finally rolling in panko crumbs, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Gently press breadcrumbs onto chicken to create a uniform, crispy exterior.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-low temperature, carefully positioning breaded cutlets to prevent overcrowding.
5. Cook chicken until achieving a golden-brown crust and ensuring internal doneness, flipping once midway through cooking.
6. For pasta, boil according to package directions, reserving half cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
7. Create sauce by combining fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a separate skillet.
8. Reduce liquid by simmering until slightly concentrated, then incorporate cold butter one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously.
9. Introduce whipping cream and reserved pasta water, whisking to create a smooth, silky sauce.
10. Toss cooked pasta directly into sauce, coating noodles evenly with the aromatic lemon-garlic mixture.
11. Plate by placing lemon garlic pasta as a base and topping with crispy Romano chicken cutlets.

Notes

• Prep the breading station by setting up three shallow dishes to create a crispy, flavorful coating for the chicken.
• Season chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper before dredging to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Use medium-low heat when cooking chicken to ensure a golden, crispy exterior without burning the delicate breading.
• Reserve pasta water before draining, as it helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
• Create a luxurious sauce by slowly melting cold butter and incorporating cream, which adds richness and depth to the dish.
• Layer the crispy Romano chicken over the bright, zesty lemon garlic pasta for a stunning presentation that combines multiple flavor textures.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg