Who doesn’t love the combination of pasta and chicken? The Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is an irresistible dish that perfectly marries the richness of cheese and the refreshing flavor of pesto with the fulfilling texture of pasta. Imagine biting into golden, crunchy chicken, where every morsel bursts with cheesy goodness, paired with a creamy, herb-laden pasta that dances on your palate. It’s a dish that doesn’t only promise comfort but also a burst of flavors, making it a versatile option for any meal occasion. Whether it’s a quick midweek dinner or a weekend delight shared with company, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. This meal isn’t just about the ease of preparation, but the symphony of tastes and textures it presents. The crispy chicken adds a delightful contrast that elevates the whole dining experience. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s your answer for a delicious home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken
There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this recipe:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful: A beautiful blend of cheese, herbs, and spices that explodes with every bite.
- Versatile: Suitable for a luxurious dinner or a comforting weeknight meal.
- Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy, crispy chicken, it’s sure to be a family favorite.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Preparing your kitchen and workspace for the Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is just as vital as cooking itself. Begin by ensuring your workspace is clean and your ingredients are laid out. A typical prep process would involve slicing the chicken breasts if they are too thick and ensuring all seasonings are measured and ready. A key tool to possess for this recipe is a sturdy non-stick frying pan or skillet, which is essential for achieving the perfect, crispy texture on the chicken. A good pair of tongs will make flipping the chicken easy and safe. Likewise, having a large pot for boiling pasta will prevent it from sticking. A fine mesh sieve can help when you need to save some of the pasta water, as instructed. Finally, having a pasta strainer or colander is important for draining the cooked pasta efficiently. With these tools by your side, you are set up for a seamless cooking adventure.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- ½ cup basil pesto (homemade or jarred)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Extra Parmesan, for topping
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure all sides are evenly coated to ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese with panko breadcrumbs. The panko provides a lighter, crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs. Press the seasoned chicken into this mixture, ensuring every part of the chicken is covered for maximum crispness when cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts. Cook each side of the chicken for about 6-7 minutes until they attain a golden brown hue and are thoroughly cooked. Once cooked, let the chicken rest so the juices redistribute, maintaining moistness before slicing.
Step 4: Prepare the Pasta
While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta, cooking until al dente, as per packet instructions. Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest, ensuring the pasta is well-drained to absorb all the flavors in the next step.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Pesto
Transfer the drained pasta back to the pot or a mixing bowl. Toss it with the basil pesto, using a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary, ensuring a smooth, even coating over the pasta surfaces.
Step 6: Serve
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and arrange them atop the pesto-coated pasta. For added zest, drizzle with lemon juice. Enhance with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. The dish is now ready to present in all its aromatic, herbaceous splendor.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for dietary preferences or variety.
- Vegetables: Incorporate roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed spinach for additional texture and nutrition.
- Spices: Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, or replace basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Maintain medium heat while cooking chicken to avoid burning the Parmesan crust.
- Using fresh basil pesto can amplify flavors compared to store-bought versions.
- The dish is versatile—adjust seasoning and ingredient quantities based on personal taste.
- Resting cooked chicken ensures juiciness; don’t skip this step.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the dish with a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Complement your meal with a crusty piece of garlic bread.
Tips
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should have a slight bite (al dente) for the best texture.
- For extra crispiness, you can bake the chicken in the oven after pan-searing.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 620 per serving
- Protein: 40g per serving
- Sodium: 780mg per serving
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead and store it separately. Reheat and assemble with fresh pasta and pesto just before serving for optimum flavor and texture.
Is there a substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
If panko breadcrumbs are not available, regular breadcrumbs will work. However, panko provides a lighter and crunchier texture.
Can I use gluten-free pasta or breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Gluten-free alternatives for both pasta and breadcrumbs can be used to suit dietary restrictions.
What if I don’t have fresh basil for garnish?
No worries, while fresh basil adds a delightful pop of flavor, the dish is delicious on its own. Dried basil can be a substitute if needed.
Conclusion
The Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Rich in flavor yet simple in preparation, it showcases the beauty of classic pairings. As you explore diverse variations and add your personal touch, you’ll find it quickly becomes a favorite go-to recipe. We invite you to try it, share it with friends, and revel in the delightful fusion of textures and tastes it offers. Your feedback and creative variations are always welcomed—let’s make every meal a journey of discovery together!
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Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Rich in flavor yet simple in preparation, it showcases the beauty of classic pairings.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- ½ cup basil pesto (homemade or jarred)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Extra Parmesan, for topping
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese with panko breadcrumbs. Press the seasoned chicken into this mixture.
- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the coated chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown.
- While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta, cooking until al dente.
- Transfer the drained pasta back to the pot or a mixing bowl. Toss it with the basil pesto, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and arrange them atop the pesto-coated pasta. Drizzle with lemon juice and enhance with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Maintain medium heat to avoid burning the Parmesan crust. Resting cooked chicken ensures juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 per serving
- Sodium: 780 mg per serving
- Protein: 40 g per serving