Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe
This Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a delightful dish featuring golden, crispy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, served atop al dente pasta tossed in fragrant basil pesto. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant weeknight dinner, this recipe combines rich, cheesy flavors with fresh herbs for a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 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
Pasta
- 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
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to infuse them with flavor.
- Dredge the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Coat each seasoned chicken breast thoroughly in this mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres evenly.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook them for 6-7 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown, crispy crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Toss Pasta with Pesto: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the basil pesto. Add a little reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the pesto and ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the rested, crispy Parmesan chicken breasts into thin strips for easy plating.
- Serve: Plate the pesto-coated pasta and top with sliced crispy chicken. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice if desired, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs over regular breadcrumbs.
- Make sure the oil is hot before frying to avoid soggy chicken.
- Allow the chicken to rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust pesto consistency for coating.
- Lemon juice adds a nice fresh balance but can be omitted if preferred.
Keywords: Pesto Pasta, Parmesan Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Basil Pesto, Italian Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal
