Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Pasta is a beloved dish enjoyed by people all over the world. Whether it’s the comforting warmth of a simple spaghetti, the bold flavors of an Italian ragu, or the fresh zest of a basil pesto, pasta offers endless possibilities for both creativity and tradition. One of the most delightful and versatile ways to enjoy pasta is by pairing it with vibrant, herbaceous pesto and crispy, golden-brown chicken. Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a meal that perfectly balances freshness with richness, texture with creaminess, and simplicity with sophistication.

At its core, this recipe brings together two elements: pasta tossed in a fragrant pesto sauce and crispy Parmesan-coated chicken. The pesto, traditionally made with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil, offers a burst of aromatic flavor that beautifully complements the savory chicken. The chicken, breaded with a Parmesan and panko crust, becomes wonderfully crispy when fried, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the silky pasta.

This dish is not just about taste; it’s also about texture. The crispy Parmesan chicken adds an element of crunch, making it an irresistible component of the meal. The pesto-coated pasta, on the other hand, provides a rich, smooth mouthfeel with the fresh, herbaceous notes of basil shining through in every bite.

While this dish may seem like it requires a high level of culinary skill, it is surprisingly easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a delicious weeknight dinner, Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a recipe that checks all the boxes: it’s quick, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

In this recipe, we will guide you step-by-step through the preparation process, highlighting key ingredients, techniques, and tips to help you make the most of this delicious pasta dish. You’ll learn how to achieve the perfect crispy chicken, how to make a rich and vibrant pesto sauce, and how to bring it all together for a meal that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this beautiful dish from start to finish.

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

Stage 1: Preparing the Crispy Parmesan Chicken

The crispy chicken adds a delightful crunch and rich flavor to the dish. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Set Up the Breading Station:

• Bowl 1: Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.

• Bowl 2: Beat 2 large eggs until smooth.

• Bowl 3: Mix 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese with 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs.

2. Bread the Chicken:

• Coat: Dip each chicken piece into the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s fully coated.

• Dip: Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.

• Crust: Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add the breaded chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

• Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.

• Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Tip: For extra crispiness, you can bake the coated chicken pieces in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Stage 2: Preparing the Pesto Sauce

A vibrant pesto sauce brings freshness and depth to the pasta. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

• Add 12 oz of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

• Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

2. Make the Pesto:

• In a food processor, combine 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, ⅓ cup of pine nuts (or walnuts), ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 cloves of garlic.

• Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.

• With the processor running, slowly drizzle in ½ cup of extra-virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• If the pesto is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Stage 3: Combining Pasta and Pesto

Now, let’s bring everything together:

1. Toss the Pasta:

• Return the drained pasta to the pot.

• Add the prepared pesto sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.

• If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

2. Serve:

• Plate the pesto-coated pasta.

• Slice the crispy Parmesan chicken into strips and arrange them on top of the pasta.

• Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your meal with these complementary sides:

• Side Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the pasta.

• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the crispy chicken and pesto sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven and toss the pasta with the pesto sauce.

• Freezing: The crispy chicken can be frozen before frying. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Leftovers: Store any leftover pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Variations and Customizations

While the traditional Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is incredibly flavorful and satisfying, the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Whether you want to add extra flavors, try different proteins, or cater to dietary preferences, here are some fun variations to consider:

1. Alternative Proteins

• Grilled Chicken: For a lighter option, you can replace the crispy Parmesan chicken with grilled chicken. Simply season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a drizzle of olive oil, then grill until cooked through. Slice and serve over the pesto pasta for a more health-conscious variation.

• Shrimp: Shrimp is a fantastic alternative to chicken. Sauté peeled and deveined shrimp in olive oil with garlic and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy, flavorful topping.

• Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider crispy tofu or tempeh. Coat the tofu or tempeh in the same Parmesan-panko breading, fry until golden, and serve on top of the pesto pasta for a plant-based twist.

2. Pasta Alternatives

• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: For a healthier or gluten-free version, use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta alternatives. Both options still work beautifully with the pesto sauce and crispy chicken, providing more fiber or catering to those with gluten sensitivities.

• Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles): If you’re looking to cut carbs or increase your vegetable intake, try using zucchini noodles as a substitute for traditional pasta. Lightly sauté them in olive oil and garlic for a quick, nutritious base for the pesto sauce.

3. Additional Toppings and Garnishes

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, slightly sweet contrast to the rich pesto sauce. Chop them finely and toss them in with the pasta for an added burst of flavor.

• Toasted Pine Nuts: Enhance the nutty flavor of the pesto by topping your dish with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds. Simply toast them lightly in a dry skillet for a minute or two until golden and fragrant.

• Crumbled Bacon or Pancetta: If you’re not strictly vegetarian, a sprinkle of crispy bacon or pancetta crumbles on top adds a smoky, savory contrast to the fresh pesto sauce.

4. Flavor Tweaks to the Pesto

• Nut Substitutions: If pine nuts are unavailable or too expensive, feel free to swap them out with walnuts, cashews, or even sunflower seeds. Each of these will bring its own subtle flavor to the pesto while still maintaining the creamy texture.

• Lemon Zest: For added brightness and depth of flavor, grate some lemon zest into your pesto sauce. The fresh, citrusy notes complement the richness of the Parmesan and the earthiness of the basil.

• Spicy Pesto: Add a small amount of red pepper flakes or a fresh chili pepper when making the pesto for a spicy kick. This works especially well with the crispy chicken, as the heat balances the creamy richness of the sauce.

5. Sauce Variations

• Creamy Pesto: For a richer, creamier sauce, add ½ cup of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese to your pesto sauce. This variation creates a luscious, velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully.

• Vegan Pesto: If you’re looking to make the dish vegan, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast in the pesto. You can also replace the chicken with a vegan protein, such as crispy chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms.

Ingredient Breakdown

In this section, let’s dive deeper into the key ingredients that give Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken its distinct flavors and textures. Understanding the role of each ingredient helps you appreciate their contribution to the overall dish and empowers you to customize the recipe to your taste.

1. Pesto Sauce

• Basil: The aromatic base of pesto, fresh basil brings a bright, peppery flavor that defines the sauce. The freshness of the basil contrasts beautifully with the richness of the Parmesan and olive oil, making it an ideal complement to the pasta and crispy chicken.

• Pine Nuts: Pine nuts provide the subtle nutty flavor that’s integral to classic pesto. They also help create a smooth, creamy texture when blended with the basil, olive oil, and cheese.

• Garlic: Garlic infuses the pesto with an aromatic, savory kick. It balances the sweetness of the basil and adds a touch of depth to the sauce.

• Olive Oil: The high-quality olive oil adds richness and helps emulsify the pesto, turning it into a smooth, pourable sauce. Opt for extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, umami-rich depth to the pesto. It balances the fresh basil and garlic, and when mixed with olive oil, it creates the signature creamy texture of pesto.

2. Crispy Parmesan Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are the lean protein in this dish, providing a neutral, tender base that absorbs the crispy breading. They’re easy to cook, quick, and can be prepared in a variety of ways.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a crisp, airy coating that provides a satisfying crunch when fried. They’re lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, making them perfect for a dish like this.

• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan is not only mixed into the pesto but also used in the breading for the chicken. When the breaded chicken is fried, the cheese crisps up and adds flavor to the crunchy coating.

• Eggs and Flour: The egg wash and flour dredge are essential for helping the breadcrumbs and Parmesan stick to the chicken. They ensure that the coating stays intact during frying, creating a crispy crust around the juicy chicken.

3. Pasta

• Penne Pasta: Penne is a great choice for this dish because its tube shape allows the pesto sauce to cling to the pasta. The ridged surface of penne also helps trap the sauce, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor. You could also use other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or spaghetti.

• Salted Water: Salted pasta water is the key to bringing out the flavor of the pasta. It also helps when mixing the pesto, as a bit of starchy pasta water can loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta more evenly.

Cooking Tips for Success

To ensure that your Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some additional tips for success:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Frying the Chicken

• When frying the breaded chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, leading to soggy, greasy chicken. Fry the chicken in batches, allowing enough space between each piece to ensure it crisps up evenly.

2. Reserve Some Pasta Water

• Don’t forget to reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water can be added to the pesto to help it adhere to the pasta and create a smoother sauce. If you find the pesto too thick, the pasta water will help loosen it to the perfect consistency.

3. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients

• The key to an exceptional pesto sauce lies in the quality of the ingredients. Use fresh, vibrant basil leaves, good-quality extra-virgin olive oil, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.

4. Make the Pesto in Advance

• You can make the pesto ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If the pesto darkens, add a bit of lemon juice to refresh the color. When ready to use, simply toss it with the pasta and proceed with the recipe.

5. Add the Pesto Last

• When mixing the pesto with the pasta, do so at the last minute. This preserves the bright green color of the pesto and prevents it from losing its vibrant freshness due to heat. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the pesto and coat the pasta evenly.

Final Thoughts

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a dish that combines the best of both worlds—fresh, herby, and zesty pesto pasta with the irresistible crunch of crispy Parmesan chicken. It’s a versatile and satisfying recipe that can easily be tailored to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

With the ability to adapt the recipe for different proteins, pasta types, and flavor profiles, it’s a meal that never gets old. The combination of fresh ingredients, crispy chicken, and flavorful pesto is a winning trio that will have you coming back for more.