When the clock strikes dinner time and you're feeling uninspired by yet another takeout option, that's when the magic of home cooking beckons. Imagine the satisfying crunch of crispy, golden parmesan chicken paired with the vibrant, fresh flavors of homemade pesto dancing over perfectly cooked pasta. This Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a surefire way to ignite the joy of cooking again!
As I stood in my kitchen, a handful of fresh basil leaves in one hand and an eager spirit in the other, I realized that this dish is the antidote to the mundane. With simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, this meal bursts with flavor and feels like a warm embrace after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this dish comes together in about 45 minutes. Let's dive into this culinary adventure that transforms everyday ingredients into a true delight!
Why You'll Love This Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken
- This recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
- The combination of crispy parmesan chicken and vibrant pesto creates an explosion of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
- It's a versatile dish that can be paired with any pasta shape you have on hand, adding to its appeal.
- Plus, its stunning presentation will impress everyone at the dinner table, making it a crowd-pleaser for family and friends alike.
Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Ingredients
Get ready to whip up a delicious meal that’s both comforting and satisfying!
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts – thinly sliced for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – for that irresistible crunchy texture.
- 0.75 cup parmesan cheese – finely grated to enhance flavor in the breading.
- 2 eggs – beaten for adhesion and a rich taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt – to bring out the flavors in the chicken.
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper – adds a hint of warmth and spice.
For the Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves – for a burst of vibrant, herbal flavor in your pesto.
- 2 garlic cloves – blending in aromatic goodness.
- 0.25 cup pine nuts (or walnuts) – a nutty richness that adds depth to the sauce.
- 0.75 cup parmesan cheese – freshly grated for a creamy finish.
- 0.5 cup olive oil – to create a silky, smooth texture in the pesto.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – fresh juice brightens the flavors beautifully.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt (to taste) – adjust for the perfect flavor balance.
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta – feel free to use any shape you love; it all works beautifully with the pesto.
- 1 cup reserved pasta water – to help achieve that perfect saucy consistency.
This Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals!
How to Make Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken
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Set Up your Breading Station: Arrange bowls for flour (optional), beaten eggs, and a delicious mix of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. This will streamline your breading process.
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Coat the Chicken: Take each slice of chicken and start by dusting it with flour (if using). Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, then press it into the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture until fully coated.
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Heat the Oil: In a skillet, pour in some olive oil and heat over medium. Once hot, gently place the breaded chicken in the skillet and cook until golden and crispy, around 5-6 minutes on each side.
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Slice and Rest: After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to keep it juicy before slicing it into beautiful strips.
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Blend the Pesto: In a blender, pack in the fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, nuts, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
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Cook the Pasta: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of that pasta water before draining.
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Toss with Pesto: In a large bowl, combine the hot pasta with the freshly made pesto. Gradually add in pasta water until you achieve a silky sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully.
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Serve: Plate your pesto pasta and generously top it with the sliced crispy parmesan chicken. Enjoy the delightful crunch with every bite!
Optional: Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for an extra touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This will help preserve the freshness of the pesto and the crispy chicken.
Freezer: If you’ve got extra portions, freeze the pesto pasta (without the chicken) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just remember to leave some space in the bag for expansion.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to restore creaminess. For crispy chicken, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions: As the Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken sits, the flavors deepen, making it even more delicious on the second day!
Make Ahead Options
This Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a marvelous meal prep option that saves precious time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the crispy chicken by breading it and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; this keeps the chicken crisp when cooked. The fresh pesto can also be made in advance—just store it in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning, and it will hold beautifully for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, simply cook the chicken until golden and toss the freshly made or prepped pesto with your al dente pasta. Your dinner guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen!
What to Serve with Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken?
Creating a memorable meal is all about harmony and balance, allowing each dish to enhance the other beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness makes for the perfect sidekick, allowing the pesto flavors to shine even brighter. Dip it in leftover pesto for an extra delightful experience.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies, like zucchini and bell peppers, roasts to caramelized perfection, adding a lovely softness that contrasts with the chicken's crispiness.
- Caesar Salad: The crunch of romaine lettuce with creamy dressing pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the pesto pasta, bringing a refreshing element to your plate.
- Lemonade Spritzer: A refreshing citrus drink adds a zesty kick, balancing the richness of the parmesan and chicken beautifully, making this duo irresistible.
- Caprese Skewers: Juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze are delightful bites that flavorfully complement the dish's herbaceous nature.
- Tiramisu: End your meal on a sweet note with this classic Italian dessert. Its coffee-infused layers add a rich contrast to the flavorful, cheesy chicken.
- Sparkling Wine: A light, bubbly wine refreshes the palate and enhances the meal’s overall enjoyment, making it feel even more special.
Each pairing is designed to take your dining experience to new heights, making your meal not just dinner but a celebration of flavors!
Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and adjust it to suit your tastes!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners without sacrificing flavor.
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Nut-Free: Substitute the pine nuts with sunflower seeds or skip nuts entirely for a nut-free version that still tastes wonderful.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a delightful heat that beautifully complements the fresh flavors.
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Veggie Boost: Toss in some roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed zucchini for a pop of color and added nutrition in your pasta.
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Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the pesto for a lush and decadent sauce.
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Lemon Zest: Enhance the lemony brightness of your pesto by adding the zest of one lemon, elevating the flavors to new heights.
This recipe is versatile enough to make small tweaks, allowing you to discover what makes it perfect for you and your loved ones!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When preparing the Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken, ensure your chicken breasts are thinly sliced for an even cook and crispy texture.
- Be cautious not to overcrowd the skillet while frying the chicken, as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- For the pesto, blend your ingredients until completely smooth; adding a little more oil gradually can help achieve the perfect consistency.
- Remember to reserve pasta water and add it incrementally when tossing with the pesto to create a sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe FAQs
What are the best types of chicken to use for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I recommend using thinly sliced chicken breasts for even cooking, you could also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier option. Thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through, so just keep an eye on them!
How should I store leftover Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps retain the freshness of the pesto and the crispiness of the chicken since the oil in the pesto can start to absorb moisture.
Can I freeze Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken?
Certainly! For best results, freeze the cooked pasta without the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove with a splash of reserved pasta water to restore that luscious texture. The crispy chicken can also be frozen, but I recommend reheating it in the oven to maintain its crunchiness.
What if my pesto turns out too thick?
No worries if your pesto is too thick! Just add a little more olive oil or reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time while blending until you reach your desired consistency. This will help create that silky texture that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Is this dish suitable for dietary restrictions?
If you're cooking for someone with dairy allergies, you can substitute the parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor! For nut allergies, simply omit the nuts in the pesto and add more garlic or a bit of sunflower seeds as a substitute.
How can I prevent my chicken from getting soggy?
To ensure a crispy chicken coating, it’s essential not to overcrowd the skillet while frying. Cook the chicken pieces in batches if necessary, and allow them to rest after cooking so they can stay juicy without losing their crispiness.
Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set Up your Breading Station: Arrange bowls for flour (optional), beaten eggs, and a breadcrumb-parmesan mix.
- Coat the Chicken: Dust chicken with flour (if using), dip in egg, then press into breadcrumb-parmesan mixture.
- Heat the Oil: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium and cook breaded chicken until golden, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- Slice and Rest: Transfer cooked chicken to a plate, rest briefly before slicing into strips.
- Blend the Pesto: In a blender, combine basil, garlic, nuts, parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes), reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Toss with Pesto: Combine hot pasta with pesto, adding pasta water incrementally for desired sauce consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, top with sliced crispy chicken, and enjoy!
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