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This quick Basil Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Chicken, Prosciutto, and Arugula is that bowl of homemade pasta that tastes like you just picked it up at your favorite restaurant. Lightly breaded parmesan chicken pan-fried until golden and crispy. The chicken is served over a big bowl of creamy basil and parmesan pasta. Each bowl is finished with warm prosciutto and lemon tossed arugula. Every bite is layered with creamy basil parmesan sauce, crispy chicken, salty prosciutto, and lemony peppered greens. It’s delicious…especially with an extra sprinkling of parmesan and a squeeze of lemon on top!
I’m sure I’ve mentioned this story before, but when I was a kid we would typically have pasta on Friday nights. My dad would make his usual delicious pasta dish. It was a dinner my mom and I looked forward to every weekend. Sometimes he would switch it up and do a pizza. But the pizzas just didn’t quite live up to his Friday Night Pasta Dishes.
Both my mom and I love pasta, so pasta once a week often wasn’t enough. So sometimes on weeknights, my dad would serve use noodles tossed with butter and basil. Simple, but such a good flavor.
Today’s recipe is a much more exciting version but brings back all those childhood memories…so I especially love it.
The inspiration…
Funny enough this is yet another pasta dish inspired by the Cheesecake Factory (thanks for your suggestions!), the Bellagio pasta. To refresh your memory, a few weeks ago I shared this southern style creamy parmesan chicken pasta. While I was researching that recipe, I came across a photo of their Bellagio pasta. At the time, I went back and forth about which pasta I should attempt to recreate. In the end, I went with that spicy cajun pasta.
And it was a good idea. That pasta has quickly become everyone’s favorite, and with good reason, it’s delicious. We love a little spicy cajun heat.
BUT this basil parmesan pasta is equally delicious, just very different, probably more Italian-like. This is not quite the same as the Bellagio pasta served up at the Cheesecake Factory. I changed a few things, but it’s similar, and please, please hear me when I say, it’s SO GOOD.
Here are the details…
I like to start with the chicken. Using chicken cutlets or thinly sliced chicken is KEY. You don’t want a cut that’s too thick or it will not evenly cook throughout.
For the breading, I like to use a mix of Panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. It has just the right amount of cheesy crunch.
Once I have the chicken prepped, I boil up the pasta and start working on the sauce.
For the sauce, it’s similar to a fettuccine Alfredo sauce, but different, because of the large amounts of basil. There is A LOT of basil, but it’s what makes this pasta so good. To keep the sauce on the lighter side, I use a mix of chicken broth and cream. It’s a little looser than an Alfredo sauce but still creamy and cheesy enough.
I think of it as a light cream sauce with a touch of decadence.
While the sauce is simmering, pan fry the chicken. I kept the chicken simple but when placed atop the creamy sauce? Beyond good.
Once the sauce has simmered, toss in the pasta. I like to use spaghetti or linguine, but really any cut of pasta will do! And that’s it! Well, actually, first I like to warm a little prosciutto in a skillet and mix up a lemony arugula salad to finish.
Finish it up
Serve the pasta topped with the chicken. Then I like to add warm prosciutto, fresh arugula, and an extra dusting of parmesan…for good measure.
When all combined together, ’tis a very delicious meal.
The pasta is heavy on the basil with just the right amount of creaminess and cheese. The chicken is perfectly crisp, and when tossed with the pasta…totally delish. The prosciutto adds a nice salty element and the arugula on top keeps everything feeling fresh and light for the spring days ahead.
What I love about this recipe is that it really does look and taste like a dish you’d order out from your favorite Italian spot. But it’s all made at home and in under an hour too.
It’s pretty hard to beat. In fact, my mom’s exact words were as follows…
I LOVEE ? ❤️ it!
PERFECT!!!
?
She’s never this enthusiastic about a recipe unless it’s really, really GOOD. So take her word for it and enjoy! Hoping this dish makes for a fun Monday night pasta for you guys! But of course, this dish is still perfect for any night of the week – enjoy!
Looking for other easy dinner recipes? Here are a few to try:
One Pan Baked Cheesy Basil Pasta
Southern Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing
Lastly, if you make this Basil Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Chicken, Prosciutto, and Arugula be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Basil Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Chicken, Prosciutto, and Arugula
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 861 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken cutlets or tenders
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 1/2 cups fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
- 2 cups baby arugula
- juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- 1. Place the Panko, 1/2 cup parmesan, and the onion powder in a shallow bowl. Dredge both sides of the chicken through the Panko, pressing to adhere by using your fist to really make the crumbs stick. Place the chicken on a plate. Set aside.2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.3. To make the sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and the garlic together over medium-high heat. Cook 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the butter and stir in the basil. Add a pinch each of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook another minute, until the basil is fragrant, then pour in the broth and cream. Add the cream cheese. Whisk until smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook 5-8 minutes, until thickened slightly.4. To cook the chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook until golden brown on the other side, 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and season with salt. Slice into thin strips. Add the prosciutto to the pan and cook 1 minute to warm through. 5. To the sauce, stir in 1 cup parmesan. Toss in the pasta and cook 3-5 minutes, then remove from the heat and stir in the parsley.6. Toss the arugula with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Divide the pasta between plates and top with slices of chicken, warm prosciutto, and arugula. Twirl and devour…with bread on the side.
Loved this recipe! I made it with canned coconut milk and it was delicious!
Hey Giuliana,
Awesome!! I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a go! xTieghan
I was a little bummed that my sauce didn’t thicken AT ALL, but that really didn’t matter because this was delicious! We loved having our salad on top of our dinner, too 🙂
Hey Bethany,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am so glad that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
So so so good! Thanks for the recipe! It really was restaurant quality good!
Hey Maureen,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am so glad that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
My family adored this recipe! Hearty, easy and delicious! The salty prosciutto, lemon, peppery arugula and creamy sauce combine for exceptional flavour.
Hey Andrea,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am so glad that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
This recipe was amazing. The crispy chicken, along with the salty prosciutto, made it very tasty. The lighter cream sauce made it not too rich. The arugula topping was a great addition! Excellent dish!
Hey there,
So great to hear! Love that this recipe was enjoyed and thanks so much for making it! Have a great week? xTieghan
Made this tonight and it was absolutely delicious! I do think that maybe I didn’t use quite enough basil, but that’s probably because it was hard for me to estimate how much basil is needed to get 1.5 cups of finely chopped basil (it shrinks a lot once you start chopping!). Perhaps you could include the amount in ounces? My sauce also didn’t thicken that much — is it meant to be that way?
Hey Laura,
Awesome! I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! If you want a thicker sauce try simmering for longer next time. Happy Friday:) xTieghan
Soooo delicious! Truly a restaurant worthy dish!
Hey Lisa,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed. Have a great Wednesday! xTieghan
So delicious! Perfect combination of flavors!
Hey Laurie,
Happy Monday! It’s so great that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for giving it a go! xTieghan
Amazing!!! Just made this tonight and phenomenal, one of the top things I have made per my husband. He always asks “is this from that girl again”. Have made over 13 of your recipes and all wonderful. Thank you!!!! Highly rate this one and pretty easy and quick considering so good
Hey Ashley,
I am delighted that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! Happy Easter ?Tieghan
Once again, incredible! My husband was raving and my 1 year old cleaned her plate. I left the prosciutto out and still amazing.
Hey Courtney,
Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a try, I am so excited that it was enjoyed! Happy Friday! xTieghan
WOW!!! 5/5 stars from me! I made this tonight and subbed the cream for coconut milk as suggested. It was incredible, and my boyfriend, who rarely asks for leftovers, was SO excited to take it for lunch tomorrow! I’ve made many HBH recipes and love them all, but this is a new favorite for sure.
Hey Katie,
Awesome! So glad this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! xTieghan
So, so good- even the leftovers were amazing. I’m very blown away by how all the separate flavors came together.
Hey Elaine,
I am thrilled this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! ?xTieghan
This recipe is delicious!! We tried this yesterday and it’s definitely going in the regular rotation. I think a bit of prep goes a long way with this recipe, having everything chopped and ready to go is key because the cooking goes by quickly. Will definitely be making this again and love having a white pasta sauce recipe in the roster now.
Hey Jen,
I am thrilled this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! ?xTieghan
This was so delicious! Love how easy the chicken was to make. And the basil pasta was so light and tasty. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Dara,
I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thank you so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
This dish was absolutely delicious. I love the layers of different flavors and textures. Creamy basil pasta, crispy chicken, salty prosciutto, lemon pepper arugula. I had a couple of questions;
1. I firmly coated the chicken with the panko/parmesan mixture. When I was frying it, much of the mixture fell off. What could I have done wrong?
2. The sauce never got really thick and creamy. Should I have cooked it longer?
3. if I don’t have fresh basil, can I used dried basil?
I make your recipes at least 3 times a week. You are an amazing chef. Thank you!
Hey Monica,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am delighted that it was enjoyed! Sorry about the Panko, usually once it is browned the Panko should easily stick to the chicken for flipping. For a thicker sauce you can always simmer it for a longer time. Yes, dried basil will work! xTieghan