Inspired by The Cheesecake Factory’s iconic Chicken Bellagio, this recipe brings together golden pan-fried chicken, delicate angel hair pasta, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. A handful of peppery arugula and a ribbon of prosciutto elevate the dish with freshness and flair. It’s the kind of meal that makes your guests feel pampered—and your mom feel cherished. Whether served for a weekend lunch or a celebratory dinner, this dish is unforgettable.
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup olive oil (for frying)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
For Garnish:
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 4 slices prosciutto
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
🔥 Instructions:
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Chicken
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ½ inch). Season with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mix of panko and Parmesan in the third.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko-Parmesan mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil angel hair pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with butter and olive oil. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
- Keep warm on low heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Place a nest of angel hair pasta on each plate.
- Spoon Parmesan cream sauce generously over the pasta.
- Top with a crispy chicken breast.
- Add a handful of fresh arugula and a slice of prosciutto on top.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet-tangy finish (optional but recommended).
🍽️ Tips & Variations:
- Swap angel hair for linguine or zucchini noodles for a lighter twist.
- Add lemon zest to the cream sauce for brightness.
- Make it sugar-free by using unsweetened almond milk and skipping the balsamic glaze.
- For a tropical flair, serve with a mango-arugula salad on the side.
This dish is a love letter in layers—crispy, creamy, fresh, and full of flavor. And knowing your knack for presentation, My, I bet your mom felt like she was dining at her favorite spot, only better. Want to turn this into a full lunch set with a refreshing drink or a light dessert? I’ve got ideas ready to roll!