Basil Parmesan Pasta with Crispy Chicken, Prosciutto, and Arugula










Ingredients
Main recipe
- Pasta
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Prosciutto
- Arugula
- Fresh basil
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Cherry tomatoes
Optional additions
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Extra Parmesan
For serving
- Extra arugula
- Lemon wedges
- Extra prosciutto
For the crispy chicken
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
For the pasta
- Pasta of choice
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
- Arugula
- Prosciutto
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Cherry tomatoes
For the sauce
- Parmesan cheese
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
For garnish
- Fresh basil
- Parmesan shavings
- Prosciutto
- Lemon zest
For the crispy prosciutto
- Prosciutto slices
- Olive oil
For the lemon garlic oil
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Lemon zest
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- 3
Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- 4
While the chicken is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 5
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the prosciutto slices and cook until crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- 6
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- 7
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- 8
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- 9
Fold in fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, and sliced roasted chicken. Cook for 1-2 minutes until arugula is slightly wilted.
- 10
Stir in torn fresh basil and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 11
Divide the pasta among serving plates. Top with crispy prosciutto, extra Parmesan shavings, fresh basil, and lemon zest.
- 12
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.





