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–+ servings

Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

A dish that combines the bold flavors of fresh pesto with crispy Parmesan-coated chicken, creating a comforting and vibrant meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the coating.
  3. Dip each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even layer adheres to each side. Set aside.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each coated chicken breast for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with basil pesto, adding reserved pasta water gradually until desired creaminess is achieved. Slice the crispy chicken and serve atop the pasta with optional garnishes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15g

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