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Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

An irresistible duo of silky homemade basil pesto pasta topped with shatteringly crisp, golden Parmesan-crusted chicken cutlets.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 780

Ingredients
  

For the Homemade Basil Pesto
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts toasted
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice fresh
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt plus more to taste
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Crispy Parmesan Chicken
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs total
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp water or milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil for pan-frying
For the Pasta & Assembly
  • 12 oz pasta linguine, fettuccine, etc.
  • reserved pasta water about 1 cup
  • extra grated Parmesan for serving
  • fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender
  • Large skillet
  • 3 shallow dishes for breading
  • Meat mallet or heavy pan
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Tongs
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Make the pesto: In a food processor, pulse basil, 1/2 cup Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic until finely chopped. With motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil. Add lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and pepper; pulse. Transfer to bowl, press plastic wrap on surface, and set aside.
  2. Butterfly and pound chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
  3. Set up breading station: In first dish, mix flour, garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. In second, beat eggs with water. In third, combine panko, 1 cup Parmesan, and oregano.
  4. Bread chicken: Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in egg, then press into panko mixture to coat fully. Place on a wire rack.
  5. Cook chicken: Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Cook 2-3 cutlets at a time for 3-4 mins per side until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F. Transfer to a wire rack.
  6. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  7. Assemble: Return drained pasta to warm pot. Add pesto and toss, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until creamy and cohesive.
  8. Serve pasta in bowls, top with sliced crispy chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges.

Notes

For best results, do not overcrowd the skillet when frying chicken. Reheat chicken in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.