Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken: A Flavor-Packed Dinner Essential
If you’re craving a dinner that’s comforting, vibrant, and unbelievably satisfying, Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken is the ultimate dish to cook next. It mixes buttery herb-rich basil pesto with perfectly cooked al dente pasta and tops it with golden, crunchy, parmesan-coated chicken. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a cozy weekend meal that feels restaurant-worthy.
This dish works because it hits all the textures and flavor notes: creamy yet fresh, comforting but not heavy, cheesy but still bright from the green basil and lemon. The crispy parmesan chicken adds the contrast every pasta dish dreams of — crunchy outside, tender inside, and full of umami from the cheese.
This recipe breaks everything down step by step while keeping the flavor authentic, bold, and fully centered around the pesto and chicken. Whether you’re a beginner cook or you’ve made a dozen pesto pastas before, this guide will show you how to bring out the absolute best in both components.
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken
There are plenty of pasta recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:
1. The pesto is ultra-fresh.
Homemade pesto creates unmatched flavor — basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, lemon, and olive oil blend into a vibrant sauce that instantly elevates the dish.
2. The chicken is crispy, cheesy, and deeply savory.
A simple breading with parmesan and breadcrumbs gives the chicken a golden, crunchy crust without needing deep frying.
3. It’s a balanced dish.
You get carbs, protein, healthy fats, and fresh herbs all in one bowl — satisfying without feeling heavy.
4. Customizable for every kitchen.
Use store-bought pesto if needed, swap proteins, change the pasta shape… this dish is endlessly flexible.
5. It looks beautiful on the plate.
The contrast between creamy green pasta and golden chicken slices makes it naturally photogenic — perfect for family meals or guests.
Ingredients Overview
The ingredient list is simple, but each one brings important flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Crispy Parmesan Chicken
- Chicken breasts (thinly sliced or pounded)
- Parmesan (finely grated so it melts and crisps properly)
- Breadcrumbs
- Salt, pepper
- Garlic powder & Italian seasoning (optional but recommended)
- Eggs (for dredging)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
For the Fresh Basil Pesto
- Fresh basil leaves
- Garlic cloves
- Pine nuts or walnuts
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
For the Pasta
- Your favorite pasta (linguine, spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- Reserved pasta water (helps create a creamy texture)
- Extra parmesan and basil for garnish
Each ingredient has a role: basil brings freshness, parmesan adds richness, pasta water creates emulsification, and chicken adds protein and crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions (With Chef-Level Tips)
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets. This ensures fast and even cooking. Pat them dry so the coating sticks properly.
Set up a breading station:
- Bowl 1: Flour (optional, helps coatings stick)
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs + grated parmesan + seasoning
Dip chicken into flour, then eggs, then the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to help the coating cling.
Tip:
The finer your parmesan is grated, the more evenly it browns and the crispier it becomes.
Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare a breading station with bowls for flour (optional), beaten eggs, and breadcrumb-parmesan mixture.
- Coat chicken pieces in flour, then eggs, then the parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until golden and crispy on both sides.
- Transfer chicken to rest, then slice.
- Make pesto by blending basil, garlic, nuts, parmesan, lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook pasta until al dente and reserve pasta water.
- Toss pasta with pesto, adding pasta water until sauce becomes silky.
- Serve pasta topped with sliced crispy parmesan chicken.
Notes
2. Cook the Crispy Parmesan Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden on both sides and cooked through. The parmesan will crisp beautifully, forming a savory crust.
Transfer chicken to a rack or plate and let it rest before slicing.
Tip:
Resting keeps the chicken juicy and prevents the crust from falling off.
3. Make the Basil Pesto
In a blender or food processor, add basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse while drizzling olive oil until smooth.
Taste and adjust:
- Add more lemon for brightness
- More cheese for richness
- More oil for creaminess
Tip:
Don’t over-blend; pesto tastes best slightly textured.
4. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta until al dente. Save at least 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Return pasta to the pot and toss with pesto, adding splashes of pasta water until the sauce becomes silky and coats every noodle.
Tip:
Pasta water is essential — it makes the pesto cling naturally.
5. Assemble
Plate the pesto pasta in bowls. Slice the crispy chicken and layer it on top.
Finish with:
- Fresh basil
- Extra parmesan
- Cracked black pepper
- A drizzle of olive oil for shine
Serve warm and enjoy.
Recipe Variations
Protein Swaps
- Grilled chicken
- Shrimp
- Crispy tofu
- Salmon flakes
Pasta Swaps
Use any shape:
- Penne
- Fusilli
- Linguine
- Bowties
Add-ins
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Cherry tomatoes
- Spinach
- Roasted broccoli
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Lemon sparkling water
This meal is perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even a cozy date-night dish.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Toast pine nuts lightly for better flavor.
- Don’t burn the parmesan crust — medium heat is key.
- Slice chicken thin for even crisping.
- Don’t rinse pasta; starch helps the pesto stick.
- Use freshly grated parmesan — not the pre-shredded kind.
