Mozzarella Basil Chicken

A delicious twist on traditional chicken parmesan. The chicken cutlets are breaded and baked, creating deliciously moist chicken to serve over pasta and sauce.

Servings

Calories 214kcal

Author Sara

Ingredients

3 skinless boneless chicken breast portions, cut in half to make 6 cutlets
2 eggs beaten
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups Barilla Tomato and Basil pasta sauce divided
2 cups Barilla Rotini pasta cooked to al dente and drained
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spray a shallow baking pan with nonstick spray.
Combine parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs in a shallow pan.
Dip cutlets of chicken in egg and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Place on baking pan.
Spray a bit more of the nonstick spray on top of the chicken.
Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Remove from oven.
Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon sauce over each chicken cutlet and top with 2 tablespoons mozzarella cheese.
Return to oven and bake for 5 more minutes until cheese is melted.
Put some of the rotini on a plate, drizzle a tablespoon of sauce on top of the pasta (more if you like :) ).
Place a chicken cutlet on top of the rotini and garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

Chicken Preparation: For tender and juicy chicken cutlets, ensure they are of uniform thickness by pounding them to an even thickness before breading. This helps them cook evenly and prevents thin parts from drying out while thicker parts remain undercooked.
Baking Technique: To achieve a golden and crispy coating on the chicken, preheat the baking pan in the oven before placing the breaded chicken cutlets on it. This helps to sear the bottom of the chicken immediately, creating a crispy texture. Additionally, flipping the chicken halfway through baking ensures even browning on both sides.
Serving Presentation: For an elegant presentation, layer the cooked rotini pasta on each plate, drizzle with sauce, and then place the chicken cutlet on top. Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves just before serving to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. This simple touch enhances the overall presentation and elevates the dish.

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