Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender pasta, vibrant pesto, and golden, crispy chicken coated in parmesan. It’s a simple meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (your choice)
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Press both sides of each chicken breast into grated Parmesan cheese until well coated.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the parmesan-coated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce until evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Serve the pesto pasta topped with the sliced crispy parmesan chicken. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor, or try sun-dried tomato pesto as an alternative.
• For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or walnuts when tossing the pasta.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• Try baking the parmesan-coated chicken for a lighter version instead of pan-frying.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. To keep the chicken crispy, reheat in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pesto works well and saves time. Simply choose your favorite brand or variety.

What pasta type works best for pesto pasta?

Pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle hold pesto sauce well, but you can use any pasta you prefer.

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 99 reviews

This Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a delightful and satisfying dish combining tender pasta, homemade or store-bought pesto, and juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy parmesan crust. The chicken is pan-fried to golden perfection, adding a savory crunch that pairs beautifully with the fresh basil flavor of the pesto sauce. This quick and easy meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or fusilli)

Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Pesto

• 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. 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 and set aside.
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Spread the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Crisp the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the parmesan-coated chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes.
4. Toss pasta with pesto and chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the basil pesto and toss until well coated. Slice the crispy parmesan chicken breasts and place them on top of the pesto pasta. Serve immediately.

Notes

• You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti or fusilli.
• For a lighter option, use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried parmesan chicken.
• If you want extra creaminess, add a splash of pasta cooking water to the pesto before tossing with pasta.
• Homemade pesto can be made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil blended together.
• Make sure to press the Parmesan cheese firmly onto the chicken to get a crispy crust.

Keywords: pesto pasta, crispy parmesan chicken, Italian pasta, basil pesto, easy dinner recipe, pan-fried chicken