Go Back
Pesto pasta with crispy Parmesan chicken, a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

A delightful combination of crunchy Parmesan chicken and creamy pesto sauce over silky pasta, perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz Pasta (fettuccine or penne) Choose your favorite type.
  • 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Halal-friendly option recommended.
  • 1 cup Pesto sauce Can be store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Panko or regular for extra crunch.
  • 4 tbsp Olive oil For cooking and seasoning.
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • Fresh basil leaves For garnish (optional).

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gather all your ingredients together.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
  3. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later.
Preparing the Chicken
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a shallow dish, combine grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
  3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then coat each breast in the breadcrumb mixture.
  4. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
  5. Transfer the chicken to a baking tray and cook in the oven for about 10 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce, adding reserved pasta water if necessary for consistency.
  2. Slice the chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired.
Serving
  1. Enjoy your Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken with family!

Notes

For substitutions, consider using fish like salmon or zucchini noodles for a low-carb variant. Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook for efficiency.