Crispy Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Basil Pesto Recipe
This crispy Parmesan chicken pasta is a delicious and satisfying meal featuring boneless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, pan-fried to golden perfection and served atop al dente pasta tossed in vibrant basil pesto. Garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, this dish combines crunchy textures with rich, herbaceous flavors for a comforting yet elegant dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
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
Pasta
- 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
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly on both sides for a well-seasoned base.
- Dredge the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix the grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken breast with this mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even crust that will crisp up nicely.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C). Remove from the skillet and let rest briefly before slicing.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ¼ cup of the cooking water for later use.
- Toss with Pesto: In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the basil pesto. Add reserved pasta water gradually to help coat the noodles evenly, creating a silky texture.
- Slice the Chicken: Cut the rested crispy Parmesan-coated chicken breasts into thin strips for easy serving and mixing with the pasta.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the pesto-coated pasta and top with the sliced crispy chicken strips. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice if desired, and extra Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavors and presentation.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work fine too.
- Letting the chicken rest after frying ensures it stays juicy when sliced.
- Homemade pesto can elevate the flavor but store-bought is a convenient option.
- If vegan or vegetarian, substitute chicken with crispy fried tofu or mushrooms and use vegan Parmesan alternatives.
- Add a side salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
Keywords: Parmesan chicken, pesto pasta, crispy chicken, Italian pasta dish, skillet-fried chicken, basil pesto pasta
