If you’re searching for a dinner that feels both comforting and special, look no further than this Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken. It’s a 14 in one pan: golden, crunchy chicken atop silky, emerald-coated noodles, all crowned with a blizzard of Parmesan and a spritz of lemon. Whether you’re feeding friends, family, or just treating yourself, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between tangy, herby, and cheesy flavors, and it’s ready in no time. Trust me, the 14 will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation with its flavor-packed charm and crowd-pleasing finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this 14 so irresistible is its reliance on kitchen staples and a few little secrets that bring everything together. Each ingredient sings in harmony, contributing texture, color, or extra bursts of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the base for your crispy topping.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty flavor and helps create that golden crust.
Breadcrumbs (preferably panko): For that signature crunch—panko guarantees the lightest, crispiest coating.
Garlic powder: Adds savoriness and depth to the chicken.
Onion powder: Balances the garlic and brings a subtle sweetness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for highlighting every other flavor in the 14.
Olive oil: For pan-frying, because it brings out the best in your crust.
Pasta (spaghetti or penne): A classic base to catch all the pesto goodness.
Basil pesto: Homemade or store-bought, this is the herby, garlicky heart of the dish.
Lemon juice (optional): A squeeze brightens and lifts the entire bowl.
Fresh basil leaves (optional): For that vibrant, restaurant-style finish.
Extra Parmesan cheese: Because you can never have too much cheese on your 14!

How to MakeCrispy Parmesan Chicken & Pesto Pasta Delight

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, plus the garlic and onion powders on both sides. This quick step builds a foundation of flavor for your chicken—don’t skimp!

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

Mix the grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Press each chicken breast into the mixture, coating evenly and pressing gently. The key here is coverage—this is what gives your 14 that unmistakable crispy exterior.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, lay in the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until beautifully golden and crisp. The aroma will have everyone peeking into the kitchen! When done, let the chicken rest so the juices settle—this keeps your 14 extra juicy.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Before draining, remember to reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water—it’s a little secret that helps your pesto sauce cling to every strand.

Step 5: Toss with Pesto

In a large bowl, add the drained pasta and toss it with your pesto, using the reserved water as needed for that silky, glossy finish. The pasta soaks up all the herbal, garlicky notes—this is what ties your 14 together.

Step 6: Slice the Chicken

Slice the rested, crispy chicken into thin strips. Cutting it after it rests ensures every bite stays moist and tender, delivering crispiness without dryness.

Step 7: Serve It Up

Plate up generous twirls of pesto pasta, top with the crispy chicken strips, and finish the 14 with fresh basil, lemon juice, and extra Parmesan. Every element comes together in this final flourish—so inviting and utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Chicken & Pesto Pasta Delight

Garnishes

For the ultimate 14 experience, top with extra shavings of Parmesan, a handful of torn basil leaves, and a small squeeze of lemon. The lemon perks up the pesto, and the basil brings freshness—both are small touches that elevate your meal to restaurant-worthy status.

Side Dishes

This 14 loves company! A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or some blistered cherry tomatoes, really balances out the rich chicken and pasta. Crusty bread is another classic way to mop up every last drop of that pesto goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your 14 in big sharing bowls for a casual family-style meal, or twirl the pasta into elegant nests with the chicken arranged on top for a special dinner. Mini versions with bite-sized chicken pieces work beautifully as a party appetizer, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover 14 (lucky you!), store the pasta and chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping them apart preserves the crunch of the chicken.

Freezing

While pasta and pesto don’t love the freezer, you can freeze the cooked Parmesan chicken for up to a month. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat the chicken in a toaster oven or skillet so it stays crispy, and warm the pasta gently in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth. Avoid microwaving the chicken directly with the pasta to keep everything deliciously textured—just as a 14 should be!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for my Crispy Parmesan Chicken & Pesto Pasta Delight?

Absolutely! A high-quality store-bought pesto saves time and still delivers loads of flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, homemade will always shine, but store-bought makes your 14 weeknight-friendly.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Choose your favorite! Spaghetti and penne both work beautifully, but honestly, any pasta that holds onto the pesto is perfect for a Crispy Parmesan Chicken & Pesto Pasta Delight like this.

Can I make Crispy Parmesan Chicken & Pesto Pasta Delight gluten-free?

You can! Just use gluten-free pasta and swap in gluten-free panko for the chicken coating. The flavors and crunch will still shine through.

How do I prevent the chicken coating from falling off?

Press the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture firmly onto the chicken, and don’t move the chicken too much in the pan while it cooks. Let it get nice and golden before flipping for that classic Crispy Parmesan Chicken & Pesto Pasta Delight coating.

What other proteins can I use in place of chicken?

Try thin pork chops or even white fish fillets prepared the same way—adjust the cooking time as needed. For a vegetarian Crispy Parmesan Chicken & Pesto Pasta Delight, crispy tofu would be delicious with the pesto pasta!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into this soul-warming Crispy Parmesan Chicken & Pesto Pasta Delight—it’s the kind of meal that makes any ordinary night feel like a celebration. With its golden, crispy chicken and vibrant pesto pasta, this one always gets rave reviews. Give it a try and let the magic of the 14 bring joy to your table!