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Crispy Parmesan Chicken & Pesto Pasta Delight

14 Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

A delightful and easy-to-make recipe for Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken coated in crispy Parmesan with al dente pasta tossed in a flavorful basil pesto sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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

For the Pesto 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

  1. Prepare 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.
  4. Prepare 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.
  6. Assemble the Dish: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into thin strips. 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.

Notes

  • Feel free to customize the dish by adding cherry tomatoes or roasted vegetables to the pasta.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the Parmesan chicken instead of frying it.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pesto Pasta, Crispy Parmesan Chicken, Italian Recipe, Pasta Recipe, Chicken Recipe

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/14-recipe/