Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken, a dish that perfectly balances vibrant basil pesto and succulent chicken. This easy-to-make recipe transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into a gourmet experience, with tender pasta enveloped in rich pesto and topped with golden, crunchy chicken. Ideal for family gatherings or entertaining friends, this meal is quick to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or switching up the pasta shape for a personal touch.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- ½ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Stir in basil pesto into the warm pasta until evenly coated.
- If desired, add fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Slice the crispy chicken breasts and place them on top of your pesto pasta.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For added crunch, swap regular breadcrumbs for panko. Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition. Use different pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle for variety.