Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken
Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a delightful dish that beautifully marries the vibrant flavors of basil pesto with the satisfying crunch of golden-brown chicken. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to please both kids and adults alike. The creamy pasta, complemented by the crispy chicken, creates a comforting yet lively meal that will have your guests coming back for seconds. With its customizable ingredients and bright garnishes, this dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat with olive oil.
- In a bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts in the breadcrumb mixture until evenly covered.
- Fry chicken in the skillet for about 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- Stir pesto into the drained pasta until well-coated; add lemon juice if desired.
- Slice the crispy chicken and serve it atop the pesto pasta; garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg