Irresistible Pesto Pasta with Parmesan Chicken : Creamy & Crispy Dinner Favorite

Few dishes feel as comforting and satisfying as a bowl of pesto pasta with parmesan chicken. With tender, juicy chicken coated in golden parmesan crumbs and served over creamy, garlicky pesto pasta, this recipe delivers restaurant-worthy flavor at home.

Whether you’re craving crispy chicken pesto pasta, planning a dinner party, or just need a quick weeknight meal that impresses, this recipe has it all: creamy sauce, cheesy chicken, and vibrant basil pesto. Even better, it’s versatile enough to make healthier if you prefer a healthy pesto chicken pasta, or as indulgent as a cheesy pesto chicken pasta.

Let’s explore why this recipe is such a winner and how to make it perfectly every time.

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Who Will Love This Dish? From Pesto Chicken Pasta Fans to Healthy Pesto Enthusiasts

This dish is ideal for:
✅ Families looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner.
✅ Date nights or special occasions where presentation matters.
✅ Meal preppers who want to portion out flavorful, satisfying lunches.
✅ Home cooks exploring pesto pasta recipes with a twist.

If you already love pesto chicken pasta, or are curious about how to pair pesto and crispy chicken into one dish, this is your go-to recipe.

Why This Pesto Pasta with Parmesan Chicken Stands Out Among Pesto Pasta Recipes

Here’s what makes this recipe special:
✅ Crispy parmesan chicken brings texture and richness to creamy pasta.
✅ Basil pesto and cream sauce create a luscious, herb-packed coating.
✅ Balanced — you get protein, carbs, and flavor in every bite.
✅ Easy to adapt for healthier or cheesier versions.

Among pesto pasta recipes, this one combines everything you love about chicken mozzarella pesto recipes, healthy pesto, and creamy pesto pasta into one irresistible dish.

Ingredients: What You Need for Crispy Chicken Pesto Pasta

For about 4 servings, you’ll need:

For the chicken:

• Chicken breasts – 2 large, halved horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets
• Flour – 1/2 cup
• Eggs – 2, beaten
• Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup, finely grated
• Breadcrumbs (panko or regular) – 1/2 cup
• Salt & pepper – to taste
• Olive oil – 2–3 tablespoons, for frying

For the pasta:

• Fettuccine or spaghetti – 12 oz (about 3/4 of a standard box)
• Basil pesto – 1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
• Heavy cream (or half-and-half) – 1/2 cup
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup, plus more for serving
• Salt & pepper – to taste
• Optional: cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mozzarella pearls for garnish

Kitchen Equipment: Tools for Baked Crispy Pesto Chicken Recipe and Creamy Pesto Pasta

✅ Large skillet
✅ Pot for boiling pasta
✅ Shallow bowls for dredging
✅ Tongs
✅ Baking sheet (if keeping chicken warm)
✅ Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step: How to Make Pesto Pasta with Parmesan Chicken

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2️⃣ Bread and Cook the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan. Dredge each cutlet in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken cutlets for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

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3️⃣ Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Reduce heat to low and stir in pesto and cream, cooking for 1–2 minutes. Add pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in parmesan.

4️⃣ Serve

Divide creamy pesto pasta into bowls. Top with crispy chicken cutlets and sprinkle with extra parmesan, basil, and optional toppings.

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Tips for Success: Mastering Healthy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Cheesy Goodness

✅ Use thin chicken cutlets for even cooking.
✅ Fry chicken in batches so the pan isn’t overcrowded.
✅ Add veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
✅ If you prefer healthy pesto chicken pasta, use whole-wheat pasta and light cream or milk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Chicken Mozzarella Pesto Recipes

🚫 Skipping the dredge — this helps the chicken stay juicy and crispy.
🚫 Using too much oil — it should just coat the bottom of the skillet.
🚫 Overcooking pasta — slightly al dente is best for creamy sauces.

For another flavorful and wholesome dinner, try our creamy Tuscan chicken and spaghetti squash — another light yet indulgent option.

Serving Suggestions: How to Present Cheesy Pesto Chicken Pasta Beautifully

✨ Garnish with fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges.
✨ Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus.
✨ Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for crunch.
✨ Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the chicken for elegance.

Creative Variations: From Baked Crispy Pesto Chicken to Healthy Pesto Pasta Recipes

🥗 Bake instead of fry — place breaded chicken on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
🧀 Add mozzarella slices to the chicken for a chicken mozzarella pesto recipe variation.
🌿 Use homemade spinach or kale pesto for a creative twist.
🥛 Swap cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.

These variations make your pesto chicken pasta adaptable and exciting every time.

How to Store and Reheat Pesto Pasta with Parmesan Chicken

✅ Store chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✅ Reheat pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or cream.
✅ Re-crisp chicken in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Best Pairings: Sides and Drinks to Complement Pesto Pasta Recipes

🥗 Arugula and tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette.
🥖 Warm garlic bread or breadsticks.
🥤 Sparkling water with lemon and basil.
🥣 Roasted tomato soup for a cozy starter.

For another cheesy and comforting dinner, check out our vegetarian chili mac — a perfect no-meat option.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pesto Pasta with Parmesan Chicken

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute dairy-free parmesan and cream alternatives.

Can I prep it ahead of time?
You can bread and cook the chicken ahead and reheat in the oven while making the pasta.

What’s the best pasta shape for this?
Fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, or farfalle all work beautifully.

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We hope you love making and enjoying this pesto pasta with parmesan chicken — a classic dish that’s full of flavor, texture, and comfort. Whether you’re trying out a baked crispy pesto chicken recipe, a healthy pesto chicken pasta, or just craving creamy pesto pasta, this recipe delivers.

If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with your friends and family — and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more pesto pasta recipes, chicken mozzarella pesto recipes, and creative weeknight dinners everyone will love.

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