25-Minute Chicken Parmesan
Lightly breaded chicken tenders, with vodka sauce marinara, over Angel hair pasta, is a fast, easy meal everyone will devour.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lb chicken tenders (about 8-9 tenders)
- 1/2 cup panko Japanese bread crumbs substitute super-fine almond flour for gluten free
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley, plus extra for garnish if using fresh parsley increase amount to 1 tbsp
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 24 oz jar vodka pasta sauce or use your favorite red sauce
- 1 tsp balsamic glaze my favorite balsamic is Nonna Pia's (amazing)
- 1 lb whole wheat Angel hair pasta or favorite pasta
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
Vodka Sauce
- In a medium sauce pan over low heat pour in the jar of sauce and balsamic glaze. Stir to combine and keep warm until ready to use.
Pasta
- Cook pasta according to directions, drain, but do not rinse. Mix in 1 tbsp olive oil, and set aside. See NOTE bellow for my no-fuss pasta cooking method.
Prepping Chicken
- While pasta cooks, use two shallow medium size bowls to prepare the breading. I like to use pie dishes for this. In first dish combine bread crumbs, 1/4 cup grated parm, garlic powder, dried parsley, and salt and pepper. In second dish add the eggs and whisk until smooth. Dip the chicken tenders in the eggs and let excess drip off, then dredge in bread crumbs. Set aside on plate until you've finished coating all the chicken.
- Heat large cast iron skillet or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil and chicken tenders, Try to fit all the tenders in the pan. They will shrink up a bit when cooking. Cook chicken until golden, about 4 minutes per side. They cook quickly. Pour the jar of vodka sauce in between the chicken, not totally covering the tops. You want to leave some of that crispy goodness exposed. Let bubble for 2-3 minutes until sauce is heated through. Turn the heat down to low and sprinkle mozzarella, parsley, and a bit more grated parm. Let cheese melt, about 2 minutes. Serve chicken and sauce over pasta!
Notes
Here are a few of my favorite items I used in this recipe:
Nonna Pia's Balsamic Glaze- You will want to drizzle this on everything you eat. It's amazing and a little goes a long way. Link at bottom of post.
Store-bought vodka sauce- Classico and Newman's Own are delicious, and if you really want to splurge, Rao's vodka sauce is top notch. Link at bottom of post.
Microwave pasta cooker- Several years ago my mom bought me Fasta Pasta Microwave Cooker. It cooks pasta perfect every time! I know, the microwave, but trust me, you'll love it. I use it more than a pot and boiling water. Plus, it allows more space on the stove. Ideally if you're cooking for a crowd, a big pot is best. Link at bottom of post.
Cast Iron skillet- I have been using my cast iron skillet more and more. I love how it cooks my food and the skillet will last forever. They are chemical free, easy clean-up, and did you know that it adds iron to your food?! Go figure. 😏 Good enough reason for me! Link at bottom of post.