Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken
Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a delightful dish that marries the vibrant flavors of fresh basil pesto with the satisfying crunch of Parmesan-crusted chicken. This meal offers a comforting combination of tender pasta and juicy chicken, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With its quick preparation and customizable ingredients, this recipe is an ideal solution for busy weeknights or special occasions. The rich, herbaceous pesto complements the crispy chicken perfectly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Whether served as a main course or alongside complementary sides, this dish will leave everyone coming back for more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mix Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl; coat each chicken breast.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook chicken until golden and cooked through (6-7 minutes per side).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain, reserving ¼ cup pasta water.
- Toss pasta with pesto and reserved water until evenly coated.
- Slice chicken and serve on top of the pasta; garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 120mg