Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken
Indulge in a bowl of Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken, a dish that harmoniously blends vibrant flavors and textures. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a delightful meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The crispy Parmesan chicken adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy basil pesto pasta, ensuring each bite is full of rich flavor. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also healthy, making it a wonderful addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- ½ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- Olive oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat skillet over medium heat with olive oil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken breasts in this mixture.
- Fry the coated chicken in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side). Let rest before slicing.
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and return to pot.
- Mix hot pasta with basil pesto until evenly coated. Add lemon juice if desired.
- Serve pasta topped with sliced crispy chicken and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg