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Pesto Pasta with Crispy Parmesan Chicken

Golden, crunchy Parmesan-crusted chicken cutlets laid over velvety creamy basil pesto pasta. A restaurant-quality Italian-American dinner made at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut lengthwise into 4 thin cutlets
  • 1 large egg for egg wash
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning for egg wash
  • 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated for egg wash
  • 0.5 tsp salt for egg wash
  • 0.33 tsp black pepper for egg wash
  • 0.33 cup plain breadcrumbs for breading
  • 0.33 cup Panko breadcrumbs for breading
  • 0.33 cup Parmesan cheese, grated for breading
  • 0.5 tbsp Italian seasoning for breading
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp salt for breading
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper for breading
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil for shallow frying
  • 16 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tsp garlic minced
  • 0.75 cup basil pesto refrigerated store-bought or homemade
  • 1.33 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese do not skip
  • 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for sauce
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional
  • 0.5 cup pasta water reserved before draining

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Deep skillet
  • 2 shallow bowls for dredging
  • Rack or paper towels

Method
 

  1. Set up dredging station: Whisk together the egg, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in one shallow bowl. Combine plain breadcrumbs, Panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper in a second bowl.
  2. Bread the chicken: Dip each cutlet in the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat fully on both sides. Place on a plate and rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Fry the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches without overcrowding for 3 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through to 165 degrees F. Transfer to a rack or paper towels.
  4. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Set aside.
  5. Make the creamy pesto sauce: In a deep skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in pesto and warm for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, stir in cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan. Simmer on low, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes until sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add drained pasta to the pesto sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen if needed.
  7. Serve: Slice the crispy chicken and lay over plated pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan and dried parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Let breaded chicken rest 10 minutes before frying to help crust adhere. Do not skip the cream cheese in the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting. Use refrigerated pesto not shelf-stable jarred pesto for better flavor. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat pasta with a splash of cream on the stovetop and chicken in the oven or air fryer.