Get ready to meet your new weeknight obsession: 14 is the ultimate mashup of garlicky, basil-kissed pasta and golden, crispy chicken that’s blanketed in melted Parmesan. Every forkful is an explosion of fresh, herby pesto, crunchy chicken crumb, and a squeeze of bright lemon—a dinner that feels instantly special but is secretly a total breeze. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, impressing guests, or just craving something comforting and delicious, this dish never lets anyone down. Trust me, after one bite of 14, you’ll be searching for reasons to make it again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about 14 is how simple, familiar ingredients transform into something spectacular. Each component brings its own special flair—tender pasta, rich pesto, and the hero: crispy, cheesy chicken. Here’s what makes every bite irresistible.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts soak up all the seasoning and provide that juicy, crowd-pleasing protein base for 14.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan creates a wonderfully salty, nutty crust on the chicken—no skimping here!
Breadcrumbs (Panko Preferred): For that magical crunch, panko is the way to go; its larger flakes get extra crispy in the pan.
Garlic Powder: This brings a punch of savory aroma, mingling perfectly with the pesto for a real flavor boost.
Onion Powder: Adds a delicate sweetness and depth to both chicken and pasta, making every bite more complex.
Salt and Pepper: The classic duo to wake up all the flavors and keep things perfectly seasoned.
Olive Oil: A must for pan-frying the chicken to golden perfection; use the best you have!
Pasta (Spaghetti or Penne): Choose your favorite shape—you need something to soak up all that gorgeous pesto in 14.
Basil Pesto: Homemade or store-bought, it brings a burst of green, herby freshness to coat every strand of pasta.
Lemon Juice (Optional): Just a squeeze brightens up the whole dish and makes the flavors really sing.
Fresh Basil Leaves (Optional): Sprinkling basil over the top adds aroma and a pop of vibrant green.
Extra Parmesan Cheese: Because honestly, can you ever have too much Parmesan? I think not!

How to Make Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Delight

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this step ensures the crust sticks beautifully. If the breasts are uneven in thickness, lightly pound them to an even layer for perfectly even frying. Trust me, a uniform chicken breast cooks more evenly and delivers that ideal, juicy bite.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Lay your chicken on a board, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Don’t be shy—this foundational step infuses every bite with layers of savory goodness and sets the stage for the big flavors to come in 14.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Next, combine the grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs in a wide, shallow bowl. Press each seasoned chicken breast firmly into the mixture, ensuring every inch is coated. This crust is what gives the chicken that signature crunch and cheesy burst in 14, so press gently but thoroughly!

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium, then add olive oil. When the oil shimmers, gently lay in the chicken. Fry for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, flipping only once to preserve the crust. You’re looking for a deeply golden, crisp exterior and a juicy interior—test for doneness with a thermometer (165°F is perfect). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While your chicken crisps to perfection, bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your chosen pasta until just al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the hot pasta water before draining—the starchy liquid will help the pesto cling to every noodle, making the 14 experience silky and satisfying.

Step 6: Toss with Pesto

Place the drained pasta in a bowl, and immediately add the pesto and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously until the pasta is glossy and every strand is coated in that vibrant, aromatic basil sauce. Your kitchen will smell like summer itself!

Step 7: Slice the Chicken

When the chicken has had its short rest, slice it into strips. This ensures you get that perfect ratio of crispy crust to juicy meat atop every tangle of pasta. It also makes 14 wonderfully shareable and easy to serve.

Step 8: Serve

Time for the best part! Plate a generous mound of pesto pasta, then lovingly arrange the crispy Parmesan chicken on top. Finish with fresh basil, an extra shower of Parmesan, and (if you like) a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s absolute magic—restaurant quality, but made entirely by you.

How to Serve Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Delight

Garnishes

The right garnish makes your plate inviting and amplifies all the flavors in 14. Fresh basil leaves bring color and a fragrant lift, while extra Parmesan gives each bite a boost of umami. A quick twist of black pepper or a few ribbons of lemon zest elevate things further.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, serve 14 with a simple green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, or some roasted veggies like asparagus or broccolini. Warm, crusty garlic bread is another classic pairing—perfect for mopping up any leftover pesto sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Twirl the pasta into neat nests and top with chicken slices for a gourmet look, or serve in family-style bowls for sharing. For gatherings, try slicing the chicken smaller and tossing it in with the pasta for a fun, shareable pasta salad twist—14 works beautifully as both a main or a show-stopping side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra 14, simply store the pasta and chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping them apart preserves the crispiness of the chicken and the creamy coating on the noodles.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked Parmesan chicken on a sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. Pasta made with pesto doesn’t freeze well, so enjoy that freshly, but having ready-to-go crispy chicken is a great 14 shortcut!

Reheating

To restore that signature crunch, reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer for several minutes until piping hot and crispy. Gently reheat pasta with a splash of water or broth in a skillet over low heat, then combine for a next-day 14 dinner that’s nearly as good as fresh.

FAQs

Can I make Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Delight gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free version and use gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs for the chicken coating. It’s an easy tweak that keeps all the deliciousness in the dish.

What’s the best store-bought pesto for 14?

Look for one in the refrigerated section made with real basil, olive oil, and Parmesan. Or better yet, blend your own if you have a surplus of basil—it makes 14 taste especially fresh and fragrant!

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are fantastic in 14 and tend to be even juicier. The cooking time may be a minute or so less, so keep an eye out for that perfect golden crust.

Is it possible to bake the Parmesan chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Arrange the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway for an even crunch. You’ll still get all the crispiness with a bit less hands-on time.

How do I keep the chicken crispy if I’m packing leftovers for lunch?

Store the chicken separately and reheat in the oven or an air fryer before tucking it onto cold or gently rewarmed pasta. That way, your midday 14 is still as crunchy and delicious as you remember!

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough for company, 14 is the answer. With its crispy Parmesan chicken and basil-loaded pasta, it’s a dish that turns ordinary moments into memorable ones—so roll up your sleeves and give this beauty a try!