Description
This Pesto Pasta with Parmesan Chicken Perfection is a creamy, comforting, and flavor-packed dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Juicy, crispy chicken meets herby pesto and tender pasta for a simple but delicious meal that feels fancy without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder (to season chicken)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prep and Bread the Chicken: Pound chicken evenly and season. Coat in flour, dip in egg, and coat with Parmesan-breadcrumb mix.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine pesto, cream, and Parmesan over low heat until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble: Toss pasta with the creamy pesto sauce. Top with sliced chicken. Garnish with more Parmesan and basil if desired.
Notes
For a lighter option, use whole-wheat pasta or swap the cream for Greek yogurt. Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrition. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4th of dish)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg