Name: Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying; 12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or penne); ½ cup homemade or store-bought basil pesto; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional); Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional); Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish

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Introduction

This Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a delightful combination of tender pasta coated in fragrant basil pesto and golden, crispy chicken breasts. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

A white bowl filled with a layer of green pesto-coated fusilli pasta at the bottom, topped with a sliced golden-brown crispy chicken breast arranged neatly in the center. The chicken has a crunchy texture with light brown and dark grilled spots. Some grated white cheese is sprinkled over the chicken and pasta. Fresh bright green basil leaves are placed on top near the chicken for garnish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some uncooked pasta pieces blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
½ cup homemade or store-bought basil pesto
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken breast in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks evenly.
Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 4: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Step 5: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water to help coat the pasta evenly.
Step 6: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into thin strips.
Step 7: Plate the pesto pasta and top it with the sliced crispy chicken. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch on the chicken coating.
Try swapping basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto pasta for some heat.
If baking the chicken instead, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

Storage

Store leftover pesto pasta and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to the pasta to maintain moisture. Crispy chicken is best served fresh but can be reheated in an oven to retain some crunch.

How to Serve

A dark bowl holds a dish with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a bed of green pesto-coated rotini pasta, curly and shiny. On top of the pasta is a second layer of sliced crispy breaded chicken, golden brown with a crunchy texture. The uppermost layer is a sprinkle of finely grated white cheese covering the chicken partly. A fresh green basil leaf sits in the center for decoration. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle works well. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

Is it necessary to use fresh basil for garnish?

Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma and color, but it’s optional. You can also garnish with extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil.