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Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

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A delightful dish featuring vibrant flavors of basil pesto paired with crispy Parmesan chicken, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
  • 12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
  • ½ cup homemade or store-bought basil pesto
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Start by taking the chicken breasts and placing them on a cutting board. Butterfly or pound to about 1-inch thickness for even cooking.
  2. Mix the seasoning: In a bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the cheese and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring well-coated on both sides.
  4. Heat the oil: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Carefully place the coated chicken in the skillet.
  5. Fry the chicken: Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to paper towels.
  6. Boil water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  7. Drain the pasta: Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
  8. Combine with pesto: In a bowl, mix the drained pasta with pesto, adding reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
  9. Slice the chicken: After frying, slice the chicken into strips.
  10. Toss the pasta: Gently mix the pesto-coated pasta and arrange the sliced chicken on top.
  11. Garnish: Finish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust the seasoning as preferred. Prepare pesto in advance to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: pesto pasta, crispy chicken, Italian recipe, quick dinner

Find it online: https://dishfoody.com/pesto-pasta-crispy-parmesan-chicken/