Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Pasta with Lemon Butter Basil Sauce

If you’ve been searching for the perfect weeknight chicken pasta recipe, look no further than this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Pasta with Lemon Butter Basil Sauce! It’s crispy, zesty, comforting, and bursting with fresh basil and garlic flavor.

I don’t know about you, but I love recipes that strike a balance between satisfying flavor and practical ingredients. This one fits the bill! Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or craving a cozy dish that doesn’t take all day to make, this easy chicken pasta recipe is your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Pasta

• Crispy Chicken Goodness – The panko and parmesan coating gives the chicken a golden, crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the soft noodles. And if your kids are like mine, this will be their favorite part of the recipe, too!
• Fresh Basil and Garlic – This combo brings major flavor and adds a hint of freshness to every bite.
• Quick & Easy – This easy pasta recipe comes together in under 45 minutes and uses ingredients you probably already have at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Parmesan Crusted Chicken Pasta

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise
• 1 & ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup (or more) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons garlic powder, divided
• 2 teaspoons paprika, divided
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ⅓ cup cooking oil for frying
• 1 stick melted butter
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ cup chicken stock
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ pound (8 oz) spaghetti noodles, cooked

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Bread the Chicken
In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, half the garlic powder and paprika, and season with salt and pepper. In a separate dish, whisk the eggs. Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then dredge in the breadcrumb coating.

Step 2: Pan Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked to an internal temp of 165°F. Set aside on a wire rack to keep it crispy.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, chicken stock, lemon juice, chopped basil, and the remaining seasonings. Add your cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Top the pasta with your crispy chicken cutlets. Finish with extra parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and lemon wedges, if desired.

How to Make It a Balanced Meal

To add even more nourishment to this pasta recipe, consider tossing in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli. You can also sub in whole wheat spaghetti for extra fiber!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pasta Recipes

• Is this pasta recipe good for meal prep?
  Absolutely! Just store the pasta and chicken separately and reheat in the oven or skillet to maintain crispiness.
• Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
  Yes! You can bake the breaded chicken on a lined sheet pan at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• What pasta works best with lemon butter sauce?
  Spaghetti is great, but linguine or fettuccine also hold the sauce beautifully.

Looking for more healthy recipes like this? Be sure to check out my YouTube channel for more family-friendly recipes, nutrition tips, and lifestyle hacks!

Print Pin

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Pasta with Lemon Butter Basil Sauce

Servings 4

Author Beautiful Eats & Things

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise
• 1 & ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (or more if desired)
• 3 tablespoons garlic powder divided
• 2 teaspoons paprika divided
• Salt/pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1/3 cup oil for frying
• 1 stick melted butter salted or unsalted
• 3-4 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
• ¼ cup chicken stock
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ pound (8 ounces) spaghetti noodles, cooked

Instructions

• In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, half of the garlic powder and paprika, and salt/pepper to taste.
• Pour the eggs into a separate shallow dish.
• Dip each chicken breast in the in egg, and then dip it in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat the chicken evenly.
• Heat the oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches, if needed, for 3 to 5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) or until golden brown and until an internal temperature of 165 degrees F is reached. When done, set aside on a wire rack.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, basil, chicken stock, lemon juice, and the rest of the seasonings. Toss in the pasta until evenly coated.
• Place the chicken on top, and sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil and lemon, if desired. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutrition Information: (1 serving) Calories: 545| Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Sodium: 470mg