Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Delight
Delight your taste buds with this flavorful Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken recipe. Tender chicken coated in crispy Parmesan paired with al dente pasta tossed in a fragrant basil pesto – a perfect harmony of textures and flavors!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crispy Parmesan Chicken:
- 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, for frying
For the Pesto Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
- ½ cup homemade or store-bought basil pesto
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
- Dredge the Chicken:
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken breast in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks evenly.
- Fry the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Toss with Pesto:
In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water to help coat the pasta evenly.
- Assemble the Dish:
Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into thin strips. Plate the pesto pasta and top it with the sliced crispy chicken. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Pesto Pasta, Crispy Parmesan Chicken, Italian Recipe, Pasta Dinner
Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/14-recipe/
