Creamy Pesto Chicken Linguine
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Pesto Chicken Linguine, a perfect harmony of tender chicken strips sautéed with fragrant garlic and onions, enveloped in a smooth and luscious pesto parmesan cream sauce. This comforting dish pairs beautifully with al dente linguine, making it an irresistible choice for family dinners or special occasions. Quick to prepare yet packed with rich flavors, it's an impressive way to elevate your weeknight meals.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Linguine
1 lb (cooked according to package directions)
Chopped onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Minced garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Olive oil
as needed (for sautéing)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (cut into strips)
Garlic powder
to taste (for seasoning the chicken)
Black pepper
to taste (for seasoning the chicken)
Pesto sauce
1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Half-and-half or heavy cream
3 cups (for making the sauce)
Grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (for the sauce and garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
2
Season the chicken strips with garlic powder and black pepper. Add them to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the pesto sauce, mixing well to combine. Pour in the half-and-half (or heavy cream) and the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously.
4
Allow the sauce to simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5
In the meantime, drain the cooked linguine and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce and chicken.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pesto Chicken Linguine?
Creamy Pesto Chicken Linguine is a comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken strips, aromatic garlic and onions, and a rich pesto parmesan cream sauce served over linguine.
How long does it take to cook the chicken strips?
The chicken strips should be cooked for about 5-7 minutes until they are no longer pink and are fully cooked through.
Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can use either half-and-half or heavy cream depending on how rich you want the sauce to be.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
Linguine is recommended, but you can use other long pasta varieties like fettuccine or spaghetti if preferred.
How much pesto sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of pesto sauce, which can be either store-bought or homemade.
What kind of chicken is best for this dish?
Boneless skinless chicken breasts are used, cut into thin strips for quick even cooking.
How do I season the chicken?
Season the chicken strips with garlic powder and black pepper to taste before sautéing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe uses 1 lb of pasta and 4 chicken breasts, typically serving about 4 to 6 people.
What ingredients are needed for the base of the sauce?
The sauce base consists of sautéed onion, minced garlic, pesto, half-and-half or cream, and grated Parmesan cheese.
How do I thicken the pesto cream sauce?
Allow the sauce to simmer over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms would be excellent additions to this creamy pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is designed to be quick to prepare while still providing rich, impressive flavors.
How much Parmesan cheese should I use?
Use 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for the sauce, plus extra for garnishing.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for color and extra flavor.
Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
Yes, the linguine should be cooked according to package directions and drained before being added to the sauce.
What oil should I use for sautéing?
Olive oil is recommended for sautéing the onion, garlic, and chicken.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts if you prefer a juicier meat.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of minced garlic, plus additional garlic powder for seasoning the chicken.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
While best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and toss with fresh pasta when ready.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is smooth, luscious, and creamy with a slightly grainy texture from the Parmesan and pesto.
Is this dish considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is an Italian-inspired dish featuring classic ingredients like pesto, pasta, and Parmesan.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives.
How much onion is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
Should the pesto be added before or after the cream?
Stir in the pesto sauce first to coat the chicken, then pour in the half-and-half or cream.
Can I use frozen chicken?
You can use frozen chicken, but ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before cutting into strips and cooking.
What heat setting should I use for the sauce?
Maintain a medium heat to simmer the sauce without scorching the cream or cheese.
How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Sauté the chicken strips just until they are cooked through; avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
Can I use whole wheat linguine?
Yes, whole wheat or gluten-free linguine can be used as a healthier or dietary alternative.
What if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of reserved pasta water or a little more cream.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this is a mild and savory dish, though you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.