Description
This Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is loaded with flavor! Golden-browned chicken breasts with a cheesy parmesan crust, sliced and served over tender pasta tossed in creamy basil pesto. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or date nights at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 egg, beaten
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta:
– 8 oz rotini or pasta of choice
– ½ cup basil pesto
– 2 tablespoons pasta water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan
– Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
3. Dip chicken in egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Heat olive oil in skillet and cook chicken 4–5 min per side until golden and cooked through.
5. Cook pasta in salted water. Reserve 2 tbsp of pasta water, then drain.
6. Toss pasta with pesto, pasta water, and olive oil.
7. Slice chicken and serve over pesto pasta. Top with Parmesan and basil.
Notes
– Bake chicken instead of frying for a lighter option.
– Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs if needed.
– Swap pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Keywords: pesto pasta with parmesan chicken, crispy chicken pesto pasta, basil pesto pasta dinner, easy weeknight pasta, Italian chicken pasta recipe