Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken, a dish that effortlessly combines a rich basil pesto with golden, crispy chicken for a meal that’s both satisfying and visually appealing. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. The tender pasta swirled in luscious pesto pairs beautifully with crunchy Parmesan chicken, creating a flavor explosion that will leave everyone craving more. With its quick preparation and versatility, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- ½ cup basil pesto
- Optional: fresh lemon juice
- Optional: fresh basil leaves
- Optional: extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and dredge in the breadcrumb mixture until coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add chicken and fry for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain pasta and return it to the pot; stir in pesto and lemon juice if using.
- Slice crispy chicken and serve it over the pasta; garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 577
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 688mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg