Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
