Description
Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed culinary adventure with our mouthwatering “Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken” recipe! This dish is a harmonious blend of luscious homemade basil pesto, perfectly cooked pasta, and tender chicken breasts coated in a delightful Parmesan and breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- Fresh basil pesto
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
1. Slice the Chicken Breasts: Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets.
2. Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Dredge the seasoned chicken pieces in this mixture.
4. Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add the coated chicken and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
5. Cooking the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
6. Combining Pasta with Pesto: Gently toss the pasta and pesto together, adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
7. Assembling and Serving: Divide the pesto pasta among serving dishes and top each portion with the sliced crispy Parmesan chicken.
Notes
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
You can try swapping the basil pesto for a sun-dried tomato pesto or a creamy garlic-herb pesto.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 70