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How to Make Creamy Pesto Penne

creamy penne pesto with crispy fried chicken in a blue bowl

A restaurant quality meal at home in less than 30 minutes!

If you're looking for a quick, satisfying, and flavor-packed dinner, this Creamy Pesto Penne with Crispy Fried Chicken Breast is the perfect solution. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy pasta recipe is ideal for busy families and weeknight dinners. With its rich, creamy pesto sauce and perfectly seasoned, golden-fried chicken breast, it’s a restaurant-quality meal made right at home, without the stress or long prep time.

The creamy pesto penne is made with a luscious blend of pesto sauce, heavy cream, chili oil, garlic, and ginger paste, creating a bold and vibrant base. You can always make your pesto from scratch, but this recipe is intended for thr budget-friendly home cook. The addition of sautéed bell peppers and red onions adds a touch of sweetness and texture, while parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water help the sauce cling beautifully to every bite of penne.

And this dish comes with an added, flavorful bonus, the crispy fried chicken breast. Each thinly sliced piece is seasoned to perfection with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then double-breaded with a mix of Italian and panko breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy finish. A dash of hot sauce in the egg wash gives the chicken just the right amount of kick.

This recipe is not only bursting with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and budget-friendly. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or entertaining guests, Creamy Pesto Penne with Crispy Fried Chicken is a foolproof choice that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Fast, flavorful, and family-approved, what more could you ask for?

Grocery List for the Creamy Pesto Penne

  • Penne noodles
  • Pesto sauce
  • Heavy cream
  • Chili oil
  • Chicken bouillon cube
  • Garlic paste
  • Ginger paste
  • Butter
  • Red bell pepper
  • Green bell pepper
  • Red onion
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Reserved pasta water
  • Chicken breasts
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Cajun seasoning
  • All-purpose flour
  • Eggs
  • Hot sauce
  • Italian breadcrumbs
  • Panko breadcrumbs

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 6
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

Whip up a quick and satisfying dinner with this Creamy Pesto Penne with Crispy Fried Chicken Breast, ready in under 30 minutes! Tender penne is tossed in a rich, garlicky pesto cream sauce with sautéed peppers and onions, then topped with golden, seasoned fried chicken for the ultimate comfort meal. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights or feeding the whole family.

Ingredients
    For the Creamy Pesto Penne
  • 1 box penne noodles
  • 1/2 cup pesto sauce
  • 2 cups heavy cream (adjust if needed)
  • 1 tbsp chili oil
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste
  • 1 tbsp ginger paste
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red onion
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
    • For the Chicken Breast
  • 6 thinly sliced chicken breasts
  • 4 tsp salt (divided)
  • 4 tsp black pepper (divided)
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder (divided)
  • 2 tbsp onion powder (divided)
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Oil for frying
Instructions
  1. 1
    Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  2. 2
    Boil penne noodles according to package instructions. Instead of salting the water, add the bouillon cube.
  3. 3
    Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
  4. 4
    Step 2: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
  5. 5
    In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic paste, ginger paste, and chili oil. Sauté for 1–2 minutes.
  6. 6
    Add diced red and green bell peppers and red onion. Cook until slightly softened.
  7. 7
    Stir in pesto sauce, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
  8. 8
    Add the cooked penne pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss to coat and simmer on low for 3–5 minutes.
  9. 9
    Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
  10. 10
    Season chicken breasts using half of the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning.
  11. 11
    In three separate bowls:
  12. 12
    Bowl 1: Flour with remaining seasonings
  13. 13
    Bowl 2: Beaten eggs with hot sauce
  14. 14
    Bowl 3: Mix panko and Italian breadcrumbs
  15. 15
    Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat with breadcrumbs.
  16. 16
    Step 4: Fry the Chicken
  17. 17
    Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
  18. 18
    Step 5: Serve
  19. 19
    Plate creamy pesto penne and top with crispy fried chicken. Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh basil if desired.
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Read it online: https://cookingwithpatlee.com/recipe/how-to-make-creamy-pesto-penne-with-crispy-fried-chicken-breast/