Description

When you can’t decide between rich, creamy Alfredo and crispy, cheesy chicken parmesan—don’t. This show-stopping dinner layers golden smoked mozzarella chicken parm over luxuriously creamy roasted garlic Alfredo tossed with bucatini. It’s bold, comforting, and restaurant-worthy, yet completely achievable at home. A true standing-ovation kind of meal.

Ingredients

Smoked Mozzarella Chicken Parmesan

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
Olive oil, for frying
½ cup marinara sauce
4 slices smoked mozzarella cheese

Roasted Garlic Bucatini Alfredo

8 oz bucatini pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 whole head garlic, roasted
¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
¼ cup reserved pasta water
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Roast the Garlic

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic head to expose cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast 35–40 minutes until soft and golden. Cool slightly.

2. Prep the Chicken

Pound chicken to an even ½-inch thickness. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Set up breading stations: flour → beaten eggs → panko.

3. Cook the Pasta

Boil bucatini in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

4. Make the Roasted Garlic Alfredo

Melt butter over medium heat. Squeeze roasted garlic into the pan and mash into a paste.
Add cream and simmer gently 2–3 minutes.
Lower heat and whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Add pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water until glossy and coated. Keep warm on low.

5. Fry the Chicken

Heat about ¼ inch olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Dredge chicken in flour, egg, then panko.
Fry 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Drain briefly on paper towels.

6. Sauce, Cheese & Broil

Preheat broiler. Place chicken on a baking sheet. Spoon marinara over each piece and top with smoked mozzarella.
Broil 2–3 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

Smoked mozzarella adds incredible depth—worth seeking out
Grate Parmesan fresh to prevent grainy sauce
Add pasta water gradually for perfect sauce texture
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying chicken