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A delightful Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken, combining al dente pasta tossed in fresh basil pesto and topped with golden, crispy chicken coated in Parmesan cheese. This dish offers a perfect balance of herbaceous flavors and satisfying textures, ideal for a comforting yet elegant meal.
- Author: Lara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pesto
- 1/2 cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Bread the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat evenly with Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes.
- Toss pasta with pesto: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce, tossing well to coat every piece evenly.
- Serve: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken and arrange on top of the pesto pasta. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you like, though penne or fusilli hold pesto well.
- For a lighter option, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
- Homemade pesto enhances flavor, but store-bought is a convenient alternative.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Keywords: Pesto Pasta, Parmesan Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Italian Dinner, Basil Pesto, Easy Pasta Recipe