Linguine with Pesto and Chicken
Tender pieces of chicken and sweet cherry tomatoes tossed with linguine in a vibrant, nutty basil pesto sauce. A quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in under 35 minutes.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil
- a.Add 1 tablespoon of salt, then add the linguine. Cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Just before draining, carefully reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare and cook the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel. Season them evenly with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté the chicken and aromatics: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds more, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Blister the tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and their skins start to blister slightly.
- 5
Combine and create the sauce: Reduce the heat to low
- a.Add the drained linguine, pesto, and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken in the pesto. The starchy water will help create a creamy sauce. If it seems too thick, add more reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- 6
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary
- a.Divide the pasta among four bowls. Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't skip reserving the starchy pasta water! It's the key to making the pesto coat the pasta evenly and creating a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
- 2For a shortcut, use a high-quality store-bought pesto. To elevate its flavor, stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before adding it to the pasta.
- 3Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety, but avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy.
- 4Never rinse your pasta after draining. The starch on its surface is essential for helping the sauce adhere beautifully.
- 5Add the pesto off the heat or on very low heat to preserve its bright green color and fresh flavor. High heat can cause the oil to separate and the basil to turn dark.
- 6Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps it to brown nicely in the pan instead of steaming.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the chicken with 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. You can also use Italian sausage or make it vegetarian with chickpeas or white beans.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Incorporate more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli florets, wilted spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
Make it CreamyMake it Creamy
For a richer sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese along with the pesto and pasta water in the final step.
Nut Free PestoNut-Free Pesto
If dealing with a nut allergy, use a nut-free pesto made with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas) instead of pine nuts.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
The chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and promoting satiety.
Source of Healthy Fats
Pesto is typically made with olive oil and pine nuts, both of which are excellent sources of monounsaturated fats. These fats are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the linguine offer a primary source of energy, fueling your brain and body throughout the day.
Antioxidant Properties
Garlic, basil, and cooked cherry tomatoes (a source of lycopene) are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this dish contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the specific pesto used and the amount of olive oil and cheese. It's a balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein, and fats.