Description
Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. The creamy basil pesto coats tender pasta, while the crispy chicken adds a crunchy topping that elevates the overall experience. This quick meal takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich taste and comforting appeal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- ½ cup basil pesto
- Olive oil for frying
- Optional: fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a bowl, then coat the chicken.
- Cook chicken in skillet for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Boil salted water; cook pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Toss drained pasta with pesto in a large bowl, adding reserved water as needed for creaminess.
- Serve pasta topped with crispy chicken slices and garnish as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg