Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines al dente pasta tossed in vibrant basil pesto with golden, crunchy chicken cutlets crusted in Parmesan and breadcrumbs. It’s a perfect marriage of bold Italian flavors and satisfying textures—easy enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers the best of both worlds: a herby, aromatic pasta and juicy, crisp chicken. The contrast between the creamy pesto sauce and the crispy Parmesan crust is irresistible. It’s quick to prepare, customizable with your favorite pasta shapes, and family-friendly. Plus, it’s a great way to elevate everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil or neutral oil (for frying)

For the pasta:

• Pasta of choice (penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well)
• Basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• Reserved pasta water
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Cherry tomatoes or baby spinach (optional additions)

directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. While pasta cooks, prepare the chicken:
   • Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
   • Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with a mix of Panko, Parmesan, and garlic powder.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Toss drained pasta with pesto, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
5. Slice chicken and serve over pesto pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or cherry tomatoes if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves 4.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Grilled Chicken Version: Skip the breading and grill the chicken for a lighter option.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the pesto or chicken coating.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with breaded eggplant or crispy tofu.
• Creamy Pesto Pasta: Stir in a spoonful of cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth. Re-crisp chicken in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer for a few minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, high-quality store-bought pesto works great. Homemade pesto will add a fresher flavor if you have the time.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Let it rest on a wire rack after frying and avoid covering it while hot. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

What pasta works best?

Short pastas like penne or fusilli cling well to pesto, but spaghetti or fettuccine also work nicely.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and pesto pasta separately and assemble just before serving for best texture.

Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts and tastes better, but pre-grated can be used in a pinch.

What can I add to the pesto pasta?

Try cherry tomatoes, spinach, arugula, or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), and the juices should run clear.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze the chicken (cooked) for up to 1 month. Pesto pasta is best fresh, but can be frozen in portions.

What sides go well with this dish?

A green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair beautifully with this meal.

Conclusion

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a delicious, satisfying dinner that blends bold Italian flavors with crowd-pleasing textures. From the nutty, herbaceous pesto to the juicy, golden chicken, each component shines. Serve it for a cozy family dinner or a polished weekend meal—you’re guaranteed rave reviews.

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