Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

Introduction

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration in every bite. The combination of fresh, fragrant pesto and golden, crispy Parmesan-coated chicken creates a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. The vibrant green pesto adds a burst of flavor to the tender pasta, while the crispy chicken brings a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the creaminess of the dish. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to gather around the table and savor every bite, making it the perfect choice for family dinners or dinner parties.

The first time I made this dish, I was surprised by how effortlessly everything came together. Tossing the pasta in the fragrant, homemade pesto felt like the easy part, but the crispy Parmesan chicken took the dish to the next level. As the chicken fried up to a golden, crunchy perfection, the smell was intoxicating, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. When it all came together, I knew this was a dish I’d be making again and again.

What I love most about Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is how customizable it is. You can make the pesto as mild or bold as you like by adjusting the garlic and herbs, and you can switch up the protein, using chicken thighs, shrimp, or even a plant-based option. The crispy chicken can also be made in advance for an easy weeknight meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this dish promises to satisfy and delight every time.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Casual gatherings
• Quick weeknight meals
• Pasta lovers
• Chicken enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Here’s why Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes:

• Crispy Chicken Coating: The Parmesan coating on the chicken gives it a delightful crunch, providing a contrast to the soft pasta and rich pesto.
• Vibrant Pesto Flavor: The fresh basil pesto adds a burst of herby, garlicky flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken and pasta.
• Balanced Meal: With protein from the chicken, carbs from the pasta, and healthy fats from the pesto, this dish offers a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning, make it spicier, or swap in different herbs or cheese based on your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 550-600 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 28g

Ingredients

You’ll need these ingredients to make Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
• 12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
• ½ cup homemade or store-bought basil pesto
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• Parmesan Cheese: This gives the chicken a rich, cheesy coating that crisps up beautifully when pan-fried, adding both flavor and texture.
• Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs, especially panko, create a light, crispy exterior on the chicken, ensuring it remains crunchy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
• Basil Pesto: Made from fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil, pesto offers a bright, aromatic flavor that coats the pasta and complements the chicken.
• Chicken Breasts: A lean source of protein that provides the perfect base for the crispy Parmesan coating and pairs wonderfully with the pesto pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
2. Dredge the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken breast in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks evenly.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Prepare the Pasta:

4. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
5. Toss with Pesto: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water to help coat the pasta evenly.

Assemble the Dish:

6. Slice the Chicken: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into thin strips.
7. Serve: Plate the pesto pasta and top it with the sliced crispy chicken. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

How to Serve Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

Here are 10 ways to serve Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken:

• As a Family Meal: Serve it in large bowls or platters for family-style dining, allowing everyone to help themselves.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad, like arugula or mixed greens, to balance the richness of the pasta and chicken.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• For Meal Prep: Portion out the pasta and chicken into meal prep containers for a tasty and easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra pesto sauce left on the plate.
• For Entertaining: Serve individual portions on elegant plates for a more formal dinner party presentation.
• As a Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare the chicken and pasta ahead of time and simply reheat before serving.
• With a Glass of White Wine: Pair with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, for a refreshing contrast to the rich pesto and chicken.
• Topped with Extra Cheese: Add extra shredded Parmesan on top for a cheesier, more indulgent experience.
• As a Comforting Dinner: Serve it on a cozy night in, accompanied by a warm blanket and your favorite movie.

Additional Tips for Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is perfect every time:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as it can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
• Use Fresh Basil: If possible, use fresh basil for the pesto—it gives a more vibrant flavor compared to store-bought pesto.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the pesto before tossing it with the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding extra salt or pepper.
• Thinly Slice the Chicken: For better presentation and easier eating, slice the chicken thinly against the grain.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs, so they’re ideal for coating the chicken.
• Add a Splash of Cream: For a creamier pesto pasta, add a splash of heavy cream to the pesto before tossing it with the pasta.
• Grate Your Own Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan works best as it melts and coats the chicken and pasta better than pre-grated cheese.
• Substitute Chicken with Other Proteins: You can substitute the chicken with other proteins, like turkey cutlets or even shrimp, for a different take on the dish.
• Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the pesto or sprinkle them on the chicken before cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish brightens the flavors and adds a nice tang.

Recipe Variations for Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

Here are 10 variations you can try for Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken:

• Spinach Pesto Chicken: Swap out traditional basil for spinach in the pesto to create a creamy, green variation.
• Grilled Chicken: Instead of frying the chicken, grill it for a smoky, charred flavor.
• Chicken Parmesan with Pesto: Coat the chicken in breadcrumbs and Parmesan, bake it, and then top with pesto for a Chicken Parmesan twist.
• Pesto Alfredo: Mix pesto with Alfredo sauce for a creamy, herby combination that’s perfect for pasta.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with crispy tofu or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version of the dish.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Use sun-dried tomatoes in your pesto for a tangy, flavorful variation.
• Lemon Pesto: Add lemon zest to the pesto for a citrusy, refreshing twist.
• Bacon Pesto Chicken: Top the crispy chicken with crumbled bacon for added smokiness and crunch.
• Zucchini Noodles: Swap traditional pasta for zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
• Pesto Tortellini: Replace the pasta with cheese-filled tortellini for a heartier version of the dish.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: While it’s best to eat this dish fresh, you can freeze the chicken separately from the pesto pasta. Reheat both in the oven or on the stove for the best results.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken may lose some of its crispiness upon reheating, but it will still be flavorful.

Special Equipment for Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken easier:

• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer can be helpful for quickly whipping together the pesto if you’re making it from scratch.
• Large Skillet: A large skillet ensures you have enough room to fry the chicken without overcrowding.
• Tongs: Use tongs to turn and handle the chicken while frying, ensuring an even, crispy coating.
• Pot for Pasta: A large pot is essential for cooking the pasta in plenty of water to avoid sticking.
• Grater: Use a fine grater for fresh Parmesan to get the best texture for both the chicken coating and the pasta garnish.

FAQ Section for Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

1. Can I use store-bought pesto?
   Yes, store-bought pesto is a convenient option and works well if you’re short on time.
2. Can I make the crispy chicken in advance?
   Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead of time, then reheat it in the oven to restore some of the crispiness.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, simply swap the chicken for crispy tofu or a mix of roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
4. What can I serve with this dish?
   You can serve this dish with a light side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
5. How do I keep the chicken crispy when storing leftovers?
   Store the chicken separately from the pasta, and reheat the chicken in the oven to help it maintain its crispiness.

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Conclusion

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a quick, satisfying, and flavorful dish that brings together crispy chicken and creamy pesto pasta in one bite. The contrast of textures and the vibrant pesto flavor make it a standout meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. With easy preparation, minimal cooking time, and plenty of room for customization, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

I can’t wait to hear how you make this dish your own! Be sure to tag me on Instagram with your creations—I’d love to see your take on it. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts. Happy cooking!