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Isabella

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken: Try This Delish!

A delicious recipe for Pesto Pasta topped with crispy Parmesan chicken, perfect for a hearty meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta penne or fusilli
  • 1 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably Italian-style
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
  3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes to ensure crispiness.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and pesto. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken and serve it over the pesto pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 40gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Notes

  • For a lighter version, use grilled chicken instead of breaded and fried chicken.
  • Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrition. Sauté them in the skillet before adding the pasta and pesto.

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