Creamy Pesto Chicken Parm Pasta  A Flavorful Twist on a Classic!

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this creamy pesto chicken parm pasta is going to hit the spot! I recently ran out of cream cheese, which is usually the base of my creamy pasta sauce, but I discovered how amazing a classic roux sauce can be. Adding pesto into the mix just made everything that much better. Trust me, this dish is comfort food at its best! It’s cheesy, rich, and just the right amount of creamy. Plus, it’s packed with protein, so you can feel good about indulging!

Method 

1. Boil the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. After the pasta is cooked, drain it, but make sure to save a bit of the pasta water for later. This will help you adjust the sauce consistency if needed. To keep the pasta from sticking together, rinse it briefly under cold water, then set it aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Next, take your chicken breast and slice it into two thin cutlets. If the pieces are a bit thick, gently bash them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten them out. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and stay tender throughout. Once that’s done, you’re ready to coat the chicken.

3. Coat the Chicken

In this step, you’ll season the chicken with garlic Italian seasoning to give it a rich, herby flavor. Once the seasoning is applied, dip the chicken into egg whites (or a whole whisked egg if you prefer). Make sure the chicken is well coated before covering it with breadcrumbs. This breadcrumb coating will give the chicken a crispy texture after cooking, adding that classic “parm” feel to your dish.

4. Cook the Chicken

 Now, it’s time to cook the chicken. Wrap each of the breaded cutlets in foil and place them in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 180°C and cook for about 15 minutes. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can pop the chicken into the oven instead bake it at 180°C for around 18 minutes. Once cooked, the chicken should be golden and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. Make sure to check that the chicken is fully cooked before proceeding to the next step.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to make the creamy pesto sauce. Start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour to create a paste. This paste is the base for your sauce. Slowly whisk in the warm milk, a little at a time, ensuring that you don’t get any lumps. Stir continuously to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Once the milk is fully incorporated, add the grated cheese, the tablespoon of pesto, salt, pepper, and mixed herbs. Let this simmer until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the pan, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help loosen the sauce and make it cling to the pasta perfectly.

6. Finish the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time for the finishing touch. Spread the remaining pesto on top of each chicken cutlet, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Return the chicken to the air fryer (or oven) for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt and get crispy. The result should be a beautifully golden, cheesy crust on top of the tender chicken.

7. Serve

Now, it’s time to serve up your dish. Plate the creamy pasta, making sure to coat each strand in that rich, cheesy sauce. Top the pasta with the crispy, cheesy chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra parmesan for that extra touch of flavor. Enjoy the delicious, comforting meal you’ve just created!

Necessary Tools 

• Air fryer (or oven if preferred)
• Medium pot for boiling pasta
• Frying pan for making the roux sauce
• Whisk
• Baking tray (if using the oven)
• Small mixing bowl for egg whites
• Knife and chopping board

Serving Suggestions 

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• If you’re looking for extra veggies, add some roasted broccoli or spinach to the plate.
• A drizzle of extra pesto on top never hurts more flavor is always welcome!

Fun Fact 

Did you know pesto is made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil? It’s not only delicious, but it’s also packed with healthy fats and antioxidants, making it a great addition to your meals!

Conclusion 

This creamy pesto chicken parm pasta is a true comfort dish that’s bursting with flavor. The creamy pesto sauce combined with the crispy chicken makes it irresistible, and it’s easy to whip up for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The best part? It’s high in protein, making it a filling and healthy meal. Give it a try you won’t regret it! Enjoy!