Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

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If you’ve ever stood in front of your fridge at 6 p.m. wondering what in the world to make for dinner, I see you. Been there. That’s exactly why this Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is a total lifesaver. It’s quick, flavorful, and fancy enough to make you feel like you put in way more effort than you actually did (shhh…our secret!).

Picture this: golden, crunchy chicken with a cheesy crust, perched on top of twirl-worthy pesto pasta that smells like an Italian garden. Yep, this dish is about to become a regular on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

It turns an ordinary weeknight into a restaurant‑worthy dinner without the fuss.
The crispy Parmesan crust gives the chicken a rich, savory crunch that feels indulgent every single bite.
The pesto pasta is creamy, garlicky, and fragrant, coating every strand like a big green hug.
Everything comes together in under 40 minutes, which means more time for you to relax after dinner.
It’s a guaranteed crowd‑pleaser—kids love it, adults devour it, and leftovers (if there are any) taste just as good the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

How to Make Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

This dish comes together in three simple parts: crispy chicken, vibrant pesto pasta, and a final assembly that makes the plate look like it belongs on a restaurant table. Each step is beginner‑friendly but full of flavor, so don’t worry if you’re not a pro in the kitchen—this recipe has your back.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Season: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drying the chicken first helps the coating stick better.
Coat: In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Press each chicken breast firmly into the mixture so every bit is covered—this step is where all that crispy, cheesy magic happens.
Fry: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken. Cook 6–7 minutes per side, resisting the urge to flip too often—this gives that beautiful golden crust. Check for doneness with a thermometer (165°F inside) before transferring to a plate to rest for a few minutes.

2. Make the Pasta

Cook: While the chicken sizzles away, bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water—this starchy liquid is the secret to silky pesto pasta.
Toss: In a large bowl or the same pot, combine the drained pasta with pesto. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water and toss until every noodle glistens with that herby sauce.

3. Assemble Your Plate

Slice & Serve: Slice the rested chicken into strips. Divide the pesto pasta among plates or a big family‑style bowl, then crown each serving with slices of crispy Parmesan chicken. Finish with fresh basil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and an extra snowfall of Parmesan if you like. Dinner is ready, and it looks like you’ve been cooking for hours—no one needs to know it only took you about half an hour!

Tips for Foolproof Crispy Parmesan Chicken

Panko > regular breadcrumbs: Trust me, the crunch is next level.
Don’t skip resting the chicken: It keeps it juicy, not dry (we’ve all made that mistake before).
Taste your pesto first: Some store-bought pesto can be salty, so go easy on extra seasoning until you try it.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This dish became my go-to for family dinners after my kids declared it “fancier than Olive Garden” (which, honestly, I’m taking as a major compliment). Now it’s our Friday-night dinner ritual before movie night. Easy, cozy, and no one complains about veggies because…well, pesto counts, right?

Close-up of a bowl of Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken, topped with golden sliced chicken and garnished with fresh basil. — A hearty serving of Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken, featuring crunchy golden chicken over herby pesto rotini.

FAQs About Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll still get that crispy Parmesan crust without babysitting a skillet.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results (microwave works too, but the crunch may suffer a bit).

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! Bowties, rotini, or even gnocchi—this recipe is versatile.

Make This Tonight

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is secretly low‑effort (exactly how we like it!). The crispy chicken and vibrant pesto pasta pair so perfectly that it feels like a special‑occasion dinner, even on the busiest Tuesday night. Serve it with a side salad, roasted veggies, or warm crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that makes everyone pause at the table and say, “Wow, this is good.”

What makes it even better? It reheats well for lunch the next day, so you’re basically getting two meals out of one cooking session. Once you try it, this dish won’t just be a one‑time experiment—it’ll quickly become part of your weekly rotation, the kind of recipe you reach for when you want something easy yet unforgettable.

More Delicious Recipes to Try Next

Looking for more easy and flavorful meals to add to your weeknight rotation? Here are some mouthwatering options that pair perfectly with the cozy vibe of this dish:

Try the creamy comfort of Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for another rich and cheesy dinner everyone will love.
Switch things up with a refreshing side like Steakhouse Potato Salad—it’s a classic that never disappoints.
For a zesty twist on dinner, check out this flavorful Chicken Ramen Stir Fry that’s packed with veggies and quick to make.
If you love sweet and tangy flavors, the Slow Cooker Orange Chicken is a set‑and‑forget option that’s perfect for busy days.

Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a review with your thoughts or any fun twists you added. And if you want to keep discovering irresistible chicken dishes, make sure to follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration and fresh recipe ideas.