Romano Chicken with Lemon Garlic Pasta : A Flavorful, Easy Chicken Dinner Recipe

Looking for a delicious and satisfying chicken dinner that’s quick to make and bursting with flavor? This Romano Chicken with Lemon Garlic Pasta is the perfect recipe! Featuring crispy, golden chicken breasts coated in savory Romano cheese and paired with a zesty lemon garlic pasta, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken and tangy pasta, making it an ideal choice for any dinner table.

If you love Chicken Main Dishes, then this Romano Chicken recipe is just what you need. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a dinner party, this recipe will impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.

Save

Why You’ll Love Romano Chicken with Lemon Garlic Pasta

This dish combines the best of both worlds: crispy Romano-coated chicken and the perfect lemon garlic pasta to complement the savory flavors. The chicken is breaded with Romano cheese and breadcrumbs, giving it a crispy exterior and juicy interior, while the pasta is bathed in a buttery lemon-garlic sauce that adds brightness and richness to each bite.

This Lemon Garlic Pasta is a light yet flavorful base that enhances the dish without overpowering the delicate flavor of the chicken. It’s a simple and elegant dish that looks like it took hours to prepare but is actually quick and easy. If you’re a fan of Lemon Chicken, this recipe is an absolute must-try!

Who This Recipe Is For

This Romano Chicken with Lemon Garlic Pasta is perfect for:

• Busy families looking for a flavorful, yet quick dinner option.
• Chicken lovers who enjoy trying new ways to prepare their favorite protein.
• Fans of Italian-inspired chicken dishes who appreciate a balance of crispy, cheesy, and fresh flavors.
• Anyone craving a healthy and light chicken dinner, paired with a delicious pasta that’s not too heavy.

If you’re craving other Chicken Dinner Recipes, you may also want to check out Pollo Loco for an exciting twist on chicken dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Romano Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 eggs (beaten, for dredging)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Lemon Garlic Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or linguine works best)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

If you’re looking to add more side dishes to your meal, try pairing with Poultry Recipes or Chicken Dishes Recipes for a complete dinner!

Ingredient Notes and Variations

• Chicken breasts: This recipe works best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use chicken tenders for a quicker version of the recipe.
• Romano cheese: Romano cheese provides a sharp, salty flavor, but you can substitute it with Parmesan cheese if preferred.
• Pasta: Any type of pasta will work, but spaghetti or linguine is ideal for this lemon garlic sauce.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt level in the dish. If you want a lighter version, you can use olive oil instead of butter.

Save

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:

• Frying pan for cooking the chicken.
• Large pot for cooking the pasta.
• Mixing bowls for dredging the chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons for the ingredients.
• Tongs or a spatula to flip the chicken during cooking.
• Colander for draining the pasta.

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Romano Chicken with Lemon Garlic Pasta

Follow these simple steps to make this mouth-watering dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a shallow dish, combine the grated Romano cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Beat the eggs in another shallow dish. Dredge each chicken breast in the egg, then coat with the Romano breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

In the same pan that you cooked the chicken in, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the lemon juice and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water) to the pan, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat evenly.

Step 5: Serve the Dish

To serve, plate the lemon garlic pasta and top it with a Romano chicken breast. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

For another variation on a flavorful chicken dinner, try Lemon Chicken for a zesty option!

Pro Tips for the Best Romano Chicken with Lemon Garlic Pasta

• Double-bread the chicken: For extra crispiness, dip the chicken breasts back into the egg and breadcrumbs a second time before frying.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Be sure to cook the chicken just until golden brown and cooked through to keep it juicy.
• Use pasta water: Adding a little reserved pasta water to the lemon garlic sauce helps it cling to the pasta better and adds flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it crisps up properly.
• Not draining the pasta well: Be sure to drain the pasta thoroughly so the sauce can cling to it.

Serving Suggestions

This Romano Chicken with Lemon Garlic Pasta pairs wonderfully with:

• A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette for a light and fresh contrast.
• Roasted vegetables or Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes for a heartier side dish.

For a lighter version of this dish, try pairing it with Healthy Veggie Egg Scramble for a wholesome meal.

Creative Presentation Ideas

For a fun twist, try serving this Romano chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or arugula, drizzling the lemon garlic sauce over the top. You can also slice the chicken breasts and arrange them over the pasta for a more elegant presentation.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the lemon garlic sauce for a bit of heat.
• Creamy lemon garlic pasta: For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the lemon garlic sauce.
• Herb-infused pasta: Mix in some fresh basil or thyme into the pasta for added flavor.

How to Store and Reheat

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the pasta and chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and pasta in advance. Just store them separately and reheat before serving. For a quicker dinner, consider making extra sauce and freezing it for future use.

Save

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work perfectly for this recipe, and they would be even juicier than chicken breasts.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free version.

Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Absolutely! You can add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts: Why Romano Chicken with Lemon Garlic Pasta Is a Keeper

This Romano Chicken with Lemon Garlic Pasta is a delightful, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any dinner. With crispy, cheesy chicken and a buttery lemon garlic pasta, it’s a meal everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a family or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Print