Description
Indulge in the perfect weeknight meal with our flavorful Pesto Pasta With Parmesan Chicken recipe. Learn how to create this delicious dish today!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15g)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (10g)
- 3/4 cup pesto (180ml)
- 1 1/4 cup heavy cream (300ml)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup (180 ml) grated cheese more to taste
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (30g)
- red pepper flakes to taste
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 16 ounces pasta shape of choice (450g)
- 2 chicken breasts halved
- oil for frying
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) grated cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) black pepper
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs (40g)
- 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs (40g)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated cheese
- 1/2 tablespoon (8 ml) Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) oregano
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) black pepper
Instructions
- In a small dish, beat the egg with Italian herbs, grated cheese, black pepper, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mix together the plain and Panko breadcrumbs, grated cheese, Italian herbs, oregano, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Using one hand, dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, letting any extra drip off, then move them to the breadcrumb mixture. With the other hand, coat them thoroughly with breadcrumbs and place them on a plate. Repeat for all pieces and let them sit for 10 minutes.
- Warm up vegetable oil for frying in a pan, using just enough for shallow frying.
- When the oil is hot, cook the chicken on both sides until they are golden brown and cooked through. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for a minute or two.
- Pour in the pesto and heavy cream, stirring until it starts to simmer. Once it starts bubbling, add the cream cheese and plenty of grated cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and combined.
- Adjust the flavor with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Cook the pasta as directed on the package in salted water, drain when done, and mix it into the sauce. Slice the chicken and place on top. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer flavor and crispy texture, combine plain and Panko breadcrumbs to coat the chicken.
- Generously add grated cheese to the sauce for a creamy, cheesy finish – adjust to taste.
- Season the egg mixture with Italian herbs, grated cheese, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
