Linguine with Creamy Pesto Chicken Delight
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of our Linguine with Creamy Pesto Chicken Delight. This easy-to-make dish features succulent sautéed chicken breasts, complemented by a luscious cream sauce infused with vibrant pesto. With tender mushrooms, aromatic garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes, every bite is a celebration of flavor. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish is a delightful splurge that brings comfort and sophistication to your table. Serve it hot atop a bed of spinach linguine for a burst of color and taste!
N/A
Servings
367
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spinach linguine or regular linguine
1 lb (Cooked according to package directions)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (Cut into 1/2-inch cubes after cooking)
Olive oil
1 teaspoon (For sautéing)
Butter
1/2 cup (Divided for cooking)
Garlic
3 cloves (Minced)
Shallot
1 whole (Minced)
Fresh mushrooms
1 cup (Sliced)
Sun-dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons (Reconstituted in warm water)
Half-and-half
2 cups (For creamy sauce)
White pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (Grated)
Pesto sauce
1/2 cup (For flavor)
Romano cheese or extra Parmesan cheese
1/4-1/2 cup (Grated, for garnish)
Fresh ground black pepper
(For garnish)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking the linguine according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 teaspoons of butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and brown them on both sides until they achieve a golden hue and the juices run clear, about 6 to 7 minutes per side.
3
3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and cut it into 1/2-inch cubes. Set aside.
4
4. Carefully pour out any drippings from the pan, but do not wipe it clean as you want to retain the flavors.
5
5. Return to the skillet and melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, shallot, mushrooms, and reconstituted sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until they soften and release their flavors.
6
6. Stir in the half-and-half and season with white pepper, then allow the mixture to cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently until it begins to thicken.
7
7. Gradually mix in the Parmesan cheese until it is fully incorporated and the sauce becomes creamy.
8
8. Add the pesto sauce and continue to cook for approximately 5 minutes until the sauce is well combined and thickened.
9
9. Introduce the chicken cubes back into the pan, stirring to heat them through for about 5 minutes.
10
10. Meanwhile, reheat the linguine (in boiling water or microwave) to ensure it is hot and ready to serve.
11
11. Serve the creamy chicken and sauce over the warm linguine. Garnish generously with grated Romano cheese and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
33g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Linguine with Creamy Pesto Chicken Delight?
It is a rich and savory pasta dish featuring sautéed chicken breasts and a luscious cream sauce infused with pesto, mushrooms, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
How many calories are in this recipe?
This recipe contains 367 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 25g of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 33g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of the meal?
The dish provides 14g of protein per serving.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 1 lb of spinach linguine or regular linguine.
How many chicken breasts are required?
You will need 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared for serving?
The chicken should be browned in a skillet and then cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing the chicken?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of olive oil combined with butter.
How much butter is needed in total?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of butter, which is divided for different cooking stages.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Does the recipe include onions?
It uses one whole minced shallot for flavor.
What kind of mushrooms are added?
The dish includes 1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms.
How are the sun-dried tomatoes prepared?
The 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes should be reconstituted in warm water before use.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made using 2 cups of half-and-half.
What seasoning is used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
You need 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for the sauce.
How much pesto sauce is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of pesto sauce for flavor.
What cheese is used for garnish?
You can garnish the dish with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of grated Romano cheese or extra Parmesan.
How long should the chicken cook on each side?
The chicken should be browned for about 6 to 7 minutes per side.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cook the linguine according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
How long do I sauté the garlic, shallot, and mushrooms?
Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their flavors.
How long should the half-and-half mixture cook to thicken?
Allow it to cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently until it begins to thicken.
When do I add the pesto sauce?
Add the pesto sauce after the Parmesan cheese has been fully incorporated into the sauce.
How long should the chicken be reheated in the sauce?
Stir the chicken cubes back into the pan and heat them through for about 5 minutes.
Should I wipe the skillet clean after browning the chicken?
No, you should pour out the drippings but not wipe the pan clean to retain the flavors.
Is this recipe considered difficult to prepare?
No, it is described as an easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners or guests.
What color linguine is recommended for the best presentation?
Spinach linguine is recommended for a burst of color on the table.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients used in this dish.
What is the final step before eating?
Garnish the dish generously with Romano cheese and fresh ground black pepper.