Name: Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ 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); ½ cup homemade or store-bought basil pesto; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional); Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional); Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that screams comfort, flavor, and just the right touch of sophistication, this 14 is exactly what you need! Imagine twirls of fresh pasta coated in vibrant basil pesto, crowned with golden, crispy Parmesan chicken that’s both juicy and delightfully crunchy. This is the kind of dish that instantly brightens your table and makes even a weeknight feel special. Best of all, 14 is so much simpler than it looks, but every bite feels like a luxurious treat. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to come back to again and again—trust me, it never disappoints.

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken
- Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of 14 lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one carefully chosen to bring maximum flavor and irresistible texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters for this recipe’s delicious success.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and tender, these are perfect for creating that juicy, meaty center beneath the crispy crust in 14.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: It’s the star of the coating—melts into the chicken as it fries, layering on bold, nutty, and savory flavor.
Breadcrumbs (preferably panko): Panko brings extra crunch, ensuring your Parmesan chicken has that mouthwatering crispy bite in every forkful of 14.
Garlic Powder: This adds savory, aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with both the chicken and pesto.
Onion Powder: Enhances the seasoning by delivering a subtly sweet, earthy backnote to your chicken coating.
Salt and Pepper: The essential basics—these underscore and elevate every other flavor in 14.
Olive Oil (for frying): Creates a golden crust while keeping your chicken moist and flavorful.
Pasta (spaghetti or penne): Go with your favorite shape; pasta is the hearty, comforting foundation of our dish.
Basil Pesto (homemade or store-bought): The vibrant, herby sauce that wraps each noodle with nutty, garlicky goodness in 14.
Fresh Lemon Juice (optional): A squeeze right before serving wakes up all the flavors and adds brightness.
Fresh Basil Leaves (optional garnish): A few leaves make your plate pop with color and fresh aroma.
Extra Parmesan Cheese (for garnish): Because there’s no such thing as too much Parmesan when it comes to 14!

How to Make 14

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, which helps the coating stick perfectly. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This quick bit of seasoning makes a huge difference—it builds a wonderful flavor base for your crispy chicken centerpiece in 14.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, stir together your grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Take each breast and coat it in this cheesy, crumbly mixture, pressing down so every bit of chicken is wrapped in goodness. This step gives 14 its signature crunch and that deeply satisfying cheesy crust.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Warm up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the coated chicken breasts. Fry for about 6–7 minutes per side—don’t rush this! You want that exterior super crisp and the inside juicy. When done, let the chicken rest briefly so the juices settle, keeping it tender for your 14.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is sizzling, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your pasta and cook according to the package until just al dente. After draining, remember to scoop out a bit of the pasta water before discarding—it’s a secret trick for silky sauce later in 14!

Step 5: Toss Pasta with Pesto

In a large bowl, combine the hot pasta and basil pesto. Splash in a little reserved pasta water and toss until every noodle is glossy and flecked with green. This method ensures your 14 is loaded with flavor in every forkful.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve 14

Slice the rested Parmesan chicken into thin, generous strips. Pile your pesto pasta onto plates, then lay those golden slices right on top. Finish with a handful of fresh basil, a squeeze of lemon, and some extra Parmesan. Your perfect 14 is ready to wow!

How to Serve 14

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches! Sprinkle extra Parmesan for richness, fresh basil leaves for color and aroma, and a quick squeeze of lemon to lift every bite. These simple garnishes make your 14 look stunning and taste even brighter.

Side Dishes

This 14 is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlicky roasted vegetables, or warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra pesto. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water is also just the thing to turn dinner into an occasion!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try serving your 14 family-style with the chicken sliced right at the table. Or, plate it individually by twirling nests of pasta with tongs and laying the golden chicken on top for a bistro-worthy look. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving for an extra hit of shine and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra 14 (lucky you!), store the pasta and chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping them apart helps preserve the chicken’s crispiness and ensures your leftovers are just as inviting.

Freezing

The crispy Parmesan chicken in 14 freezes beautifully—simply let it cool completely, then wrap in foil or plastic and freeze for up to two months. Pasta with pesto doesn’t freeze as well, as the sauce can lose its lively color and flavor, so it’s best made fresh each time.

Reheating

To revive your chicken’s crunch, reheat it in a hot oven or toaster oven (about 375°F) until sizzling and warmed through. Pasta can be reheated gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Never microwave the chicken if you want to keep that signature 14 crispiness!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for 14?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful and work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time—thighs might need a minute or two longer per side to reach that golden, crispy perfection.

Is homemade pesto necessary for 14, or will store-bought do?

While homemade pesto tastes extra fresh and vibrant, a good-quality store-bought version will still create a fabulous 14. Just check for real basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan on the ingredient list for the best results.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it for 14?

You can! For a lighter version, place the coated chicken on a baking rack set over a tray and bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. It won’t be quite as crisp as frying, but you’ll still get plenty of flavor.

What’s the best way to make 14 gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap in gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs for the coating. Most pestos are naturally gluten-free, but check your jar or recipe to be sure.

Can 14 be made ahead for meal prep?

You can prepare the chicken and pasta separately, then assemble just before serving. Reheat the chicken in the oven for that incredibly crispy texture, and toss pasta with pesto when ready to eat. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeks!

Final Thoughts

Now that you know all the ins and outs of making the ultimate 14, I hope you’re feeling inspired to give it a try tonight! There’s just something magical about the combo of crisp Parmesan chicken and lively pesto pasta that guarantees smiles all around. Don’t forget to add those garnishes and enjoy every last bite of your homemade 14 adventure!

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delightful meal with this Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken recipe. Tender chicken coated in a crispy Parmesan crust served atop a bed of flavorful basil pesto pasta, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a hint of lemon juice. This dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will satisfy your cravings.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
Dredge the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken breast in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks evenly.
Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from skillet and let it rest before slicing.
Prepare the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Toss with Pesto: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with pesto, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
Assemble the Dish: Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into thin strips. Plate the pesto pasta, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with basil leaves, lemon juice, and extra Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian