If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and sure to please the entire family, then Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Pesto Pasta is just what you need! Imagine succulent chicken breasts coated in a golden, crunchy veneer of Parmesan cheese that creates a satisfying crunch with every bite. Pair that with a vibrant pesto pasta that’s tossed in aromatic basil and rich olive oil, and you’re in for a culinary treat. Fun fact: pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, and the name itself comes from the Italian word “pestare,” which means to crush – fitting for this wonderfully quick and nutritious dish!
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and quick preparation time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. In just about 30 minutes, you can serve up a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let’s get cooking! This dish promises to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation, just like our popular Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken recipe.
What is Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Pesto Pasta?
You might be wondering: why such a playful name? Well, Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Pesto Pasta sounds fancy, but it’s truly simple and approachable. It’s almost as if the chicken and pasta are having a friendly competition, with the crispy chicken claiming the spotlight while the delightful pesto pasta humbly supports the main act. As people often say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, this dish is a surefire way to win over anyone’s taste buds! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the kitchen and whip up this delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Pesto Pasta
One of the main highlights of Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Pesto Pasta is, of course, that crispy exterior packed with cheesy goodness. The rich flavor of cheese contrasts beautifully with the subtle pesto, creating a perfect balance that will have your taste buds dancing. Not to mention, making this dish at home is far more cost-effective than dining out, meaning you can indulge in a gourmet meal without any guilt!
Not only is the combination of chicken and pasta delightful, but the aromatic pesto adds a delightful freshness that brightens the entire plate. If you love pasta dishes like our Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta, you’ll appreciate the similar warmth and comfort this meal brings. So why not add Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Pesto Pasta to your menu this week?
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Pesto Pasta
Quick Overview
Ready to prepare a dish that’s easy, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying? Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Pesto Pasta checks all the boxes! This meal features juicy chicken coated in a crunchy Parmesan layer—who could resist? Plus, it’s a quick cook with a preparation time of only about 30 minutes, so you can have a fulfilling dinner on the table in no time!
Key Ingredients for Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Pesto Pasta
- For the Crispy Parmesan Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- Olive oil, for frying
- For the Pesto Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (your choice, but penne works well)
- ½ cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, pat the chicken breasts dry and season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Dip each chicken breast first in the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Once all sides are crispy, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and place it in the oven to finish cooking for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Prepare the Pasta: While the chicken is baking, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and return to the pot.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: Add the pesto and olive oil to the drained pasta, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated in that fragrant green goodness. If you’d like, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve: Arrange the pesto pasta on plates, topping it with sliced crispy chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and, if desired, more fresh basil for garnish.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Pesto Pasta
- Chicken Thickness: Make sure your chicken breasts are of even thickness. Using a meat mallet can help ensure they cook evenly and remain juicy.
- Breadcrumb Choice: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They add a distinct texture that enhances the crispiness!
- Pasta Texture: Don’t overcook the pasta—aim for al dente which means it’ll have a slight bite to it and will hold up well with the pesto.
- Pesto Alternatives: If you don’t have pesto on hand, feel free to substitute it with a simple garlic and olive oil sauce for a different flavor profile.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, I recommend using the oven to keep the chicken crispy; simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. The pasta can be reheated on the stovetop with a touch of olive oil to help revive the flavors.
Now that you’ve got the perfect recipe for Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Pesto Pasta, it’s time to enjoy a delightful dinner that your entire family will love. From the crispy chicken to the flavorful pasta, you’ll find every bite a moment of sheer joy. Happy cooking!
Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
For the Crispy Parmesan Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 piece egg, beaten
- as needed Olive oil, for frying
For the Pesto Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (your choice, but penne works well)
- ½ cup fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- optional Cherry tomatoes, halved
- to taste Grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
Coating the Chicken
- In a shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Dip each chicken breast first in the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and place it in the oven to finish cooking for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Preparing the Pasta
- While the chicken is baking, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and return to the pot.
Combining Pasta and Pesto
- Add the pesto and olive oil to the drained pasta, tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated. If desired, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes.
Serving
- Arrange the pesto pasta on plates, topping it with sliced crispy chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
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