Description
Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a vibrant and satisfying dish that will elevate your dining experience. This delightful meal features tender pasta tossed in fresh, herbaceous pesto, topped with juicy chicken coated in a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb crust. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe combines simple ingredients to create an unforgettable flavor profile that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, you can enjoy a gourmet-quality dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or on a weeknight, this Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is bound to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- ½ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- Olive oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture and fry until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side). Let rest.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- Toss drained pasta with basil pesto until evenly coated.
- Slice the crispy chicken and serve over the pesto pasta. Garnish as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: For added crunch, double-coat the chicken in breadcrumbs. Customize your dish by adding vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach. Fresh basil can enhance the flavor profile significantly.