Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is every bit as crave-worthy as it sounds: perfectly al dente pasta tossed in vibrant, basil-packed pesto and crowned with irresistibly golden, crunchy parmesan chicken. It’s the kind of meal that guarantees empty plates, satisfying both weeknight cravings and impressive dinner-party standards. Fresh herbaceous flavors swirl together with juicy, coated chicken, making this dish a celebration of texture and taste in each forkful. Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken will soon become that much-loved recipe you reach for again and again.

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Even though Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken looks (and tastes) gourmet, the ingredient list is refreshingly simple! Every single item plays an important role—some infuse bold flavor, others bring essential crunch or silky textures. Gather everything below for the tastiest results.

Chicken breasts: Sliced thin so they cook quickly and stay juicy under that crisp crust.
Parmesan cheese: Finely grated, the secret to that golden, savory crunch on each chicken piece.
Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breading gives unbeatable crispiness—worth the extra step!
Eggs: Help the parmesan and crumbs cling to the chicken without falling off during cooking.
Salt and black pepper: Don’t underestimate these pantry staples—they make the flavors pop.
Pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli): Choose your favorite shape, but sturdy pastas grab the pesto best.
Fresh pesto: Homemade or store-bought, but always vibrant and packed with basil.
Olive oil: For both the pasta and pan-frying, adds a silky mouthfeel and brings everything together.
Fresh basil leaves: For garnish, a peppery finish and a little dash of color.
Cherry tomatoes (optional): Their burst of juiciness is a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.

How to Make Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts horizontally to create thin, even cutlets—this means extra tenderness and a speedy cook time. Pat each piece dry, then lay them out for easy seasoning with salt and pepper on both sides. This is the foundation for the flavorful, crunchy crust guaranteed to shine in the final Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

You’ll need three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one mixed with the panko breadcrumbs and plenty of grated parmesan cheese. Dip each chicken cutlet into the flour (shaking off excess), then the egg, then into the cheesy breadcrumb mixture—press gently so every bit is well-coated for ultimate crunch.

Step 3: Cook the Parmesan Chicken

Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, lay in the breaded chicken pieces, cooking a few minutes per side until deeply golden and fully cooked through. When finished, transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to stay crunchy while you finish the rest of the dish.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your pasta of choice. Cook just until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is your secret for a silky, well-blended pesto sauce.

Step 5: Toss Pasta with Pesto

Return the drained pasta to its pot, then add the pesto and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously so every strand or tube is coated in glossy, fragrant green sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add more water little by little until the pesto clings perfectly.

Step 6: Slice and Serve the Chicken

Take your crispy parmesan chicken and slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces. Arrange the chicken right on top of the sauced pasta, letting the textures mingle beautifully. Scatter over more fresh basil and, if using, a handful of sweet cherry tomatoes for an extra color pop. Now, your Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is ready to dazzle.

How to Serve Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

Garnish generously! A shower of freshly grated parmesan is classic, but don’t stop there. Tear a few extra basil leaves for a lovely aroma, and try a pinch of lemon zest for brightness. If you love color and freshness, sliced cherry tomatoes or a quick grind of black pepper look (and taste) sensational on top of Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken.

Side Dishes

This hearty pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp, lemony green salad or simple sautéed greens like spinach or broccolini. For a special touch, add warm garlic bread—perfect for mopping up any leftover pesto. Keeping sides light lets Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken shine as the star of your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a weeknight dinner, serve family-style in a big platter with the chicken fanned out on top. If you’re feeling fancy, twist the pasta into individual nests and perch a few slices of parmesan chicken on each. Layer in color by dotting plates with bright cherry tomatoes or edible flowers. However you serve, Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken always makes a stunning statement!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are truly a gift with this dish! Store any extra Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the chicken and pasta separate if possible—this helps the breading stay crisp and the pasta remain tender.

Freezing

While pesto pasta is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked, breaded chicken pieces. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to two months. Thawed pesto can lose its punch, but homemade chicken will reheat beautifully whenever the craving for Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken hits.

Reheating

For maximum crunch, reheat the parmesan chicken in the oven or toaster oven at 375°F until warmed through and crispy. Gently warm the pasta with a splash of water in a skillet or microwave. Try not to combine them until serving—this keeps every bite of Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken tasting fresh and fantastic.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! High-quality store-bought pesto makes weeknight dinners even faster—just check the ingredients for plenty of basil, good olive oil, and real cheese. Of course, homemade pesto will always taste extra fresh in your Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken.

What other pasta shapes work well?

Great news: almost any pasta will work here! Fusilli, penne, spaghetti, or farfalle—all of them catch that bold green pesto and create a satisfying bite. Pick your favorite or whatever’s in the pantry for a delicious, personalized Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free panko and your favorite gluten-free pasta. You’ll still achieve a shatteringly crisp parmesan chicken and flavorful pesto pasta, so everyone can enjoy Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken, no matter their dietary needs.

How do I keep the chicken extra crispy?

The key is to bread the chicken just before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. For even more crunch, finish the chicken under a hot broiler for a minute. Serve over pasta right away to keep your Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken at peak crispness.

Can I make this with chicken thighs?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and absorb flavor wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a minute or two longer. Either way, Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a showstopper with whichever cut you choose.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably cheerful and satisfying about Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken—bright flavors, golden crunch, and a dish that always wows. If you’re looking for a new mealtime hero, give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your kitchen!

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the fresh flavors of basil pesto with crispy, golden-brown chicken topped with Parmesan cheese. Serve this flavorful dish for a comforting dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pesto Pasta:

8 oz. pasta
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Crispy Parmesan Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp. olive oil

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Cook the Chicken: In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken breasts with the mixture. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
Assemble: Toss cooked pasta with pesto. Serve pasta topped with sliced crispy Parmesan chicken.

Notes

You can add cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra flavor.
For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta and bake the chicken instead of frying.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Cooking, Frying
Cuisine: Italian