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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
