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Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

A vibrant, comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring silky pesto pasta topped with golden, crunchy parmesan-crusted chicken.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pesto Pasta
  • 12 oz pasta any shape
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 2-3 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 lemon juiced (optional)
Crispy Parmesan Chicken
  • 2 large chicken breasts sliced into thin cutlets
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs panko preferred
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • olive oil for frying

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve pasta water and drain.
  2. Blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil into pesto; season to taste.
  3. Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
  4. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumb-parmesan mixture.
  5. Pan fry chicken in olive oil until crispy and golden, 3–4 minutes per side.
  6. Toss hot pasta with pesto, adding pasta water as needed.
  7. Slice chicken and serve on top of pesto pasta with extra parmesan.

Notes

Use fresh basil and high-quality olive oil for the best pesto flavor.