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Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken
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Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a delightful weeknight meal that combines tender pasta, vibrant basil pesto, and succulent chicken coated in a crunchy Parmesan crust. This dish is not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes—but also family-friendly, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings or intimate gatherings. The rich flavors of the homemade or store-bought pesto meld beautifully with the crispy chicken, creating a satisfying experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With its versatility, you can easily customize this dish by swapping proteins or adding seasonal veggies to suit your taste. Enjoy this comforting yet elegant meal any night of the week!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
  • 12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken coating by mixing Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
  2. Coat each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add the coated chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
  5. In a large bowl, combine drained pasta with basil pesto and lemon juice if desired; mix well.
  6. Slice crispy chicken and arrange on top of the pesto pasta. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://besthotrecipes.com/pesto-pasta-with-crispy-parmesan-chicken/