Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken
A delightful dish combining rich basil pesto with crispy Parmesan chicken, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta penne or fusilli recommended
- 1 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- 1 pound chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese for coating and serving
- 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably Italian seasoned
- 2 large eggs for breading
- to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
- to taste fresh basil leaves for garnish
Prepare the chicken by patting it dry, whisking eggs with salt and pepper, and mixing breadcrumbs with half of the Parmesan cheese.
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and reserve half a cup of pasta water.
If making homemade pesto, blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil in a food processor, then mix in remaining Parmesan.
Combine cooked pasta with pesto in the pot, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
Bread the chicken and fry in olive oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, then bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
Serve the sliced chicken over the pesto pasta, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Calories: 550kcalProtein: 40gSodium: 800mg
Keyword chicken, pasta, pesto