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Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

A vibrant and comforting dish featuring al dente pesto pasta topped with golden, crispy parmesan-breaded chicken for the perfect mix of freshness and crunch.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

Crispy Parmesan Chicken
  • 2 large chicken breasts sliced or pounded thin
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.75 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 0.5 cup flour
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • olive oil for frying
Pesto Pasta
  • 12 oz pasta linguine, penne, or fettuccine
  • 1 cup basil pesto
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes optional
  • parmesan cheese for serving
  • fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Slice or pound chicken thin and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Set up breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko mixed with parmesan.
  3. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, and press into panko-parmesan mixture.
  4. Pan-fry chicken in olive oil 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  5. Cook pasta according to package directions; reserve pasta water.
  6. Sauté garlic in butter or olive oil, then add pesto and pasta water.
  7. Toss pasta in sauce and add lemon juice and optional cherry tomatoes.
  8. Slice crispy chicken and serve over pesto pasta with extra parmesan and basil.

Notes

To keep chicken crispy, store separately and add to pasta right before serving.