Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Linguine
This Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Linguine is a refreshing and vibrant pasta dish that's perfect for any occasion. With tender, juicy chicken infused with citrusy lemon and aromatic herbs, it’s a delightful combination that's satisfying both warm and at room temperature. Ideal for summer gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans. It’s flexible and easy to adjust for larger or smaller gatherings, making it a staple for entertaining. Enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
1 lb (cut into fillets)
Linguine
1 lb (cooked al dente)
Onion
1 small (sliced)
Garlic Cloves
3 (grated)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
Butter
1 tablespoon (unsalted)
Dried Thyme
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Lemons
2 (juiced and zested)
Fresh Parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Fresh Basil
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste
Parmesan Cheese
optional (for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
2
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and gently sauté for about 2 minutes until they become translucent. Incorporate the grated garlic and sauté for an additional minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
3
While the onions and garlic are cooking, season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if desired. Once the onion mixture is ready, add the chicken breasts to the pan, cooking them for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until they are fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest before slicing into strips.
4
To the same skillet, add the juice and zest of the lemons, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the lemon juice to simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.
5
Combine the cooked linguine in the skillet with the lemon mixture, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for moisture. Stir in the remaining olive oil, fresh parsley, and basil. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
6
Plate the linguine and generously top it with the sliced chicken. For an extra indulgent touch, freshly grated Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Linguine?
It is a refreshing and vibrant pasta dish featuring tender, juicy chicken infused with citrusy lemon and aromatic herbs, suitable for both warm and room temperature serving.
How should the linguine be cooked?
The linguine should be cooked according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
Should I keep any of the pasta cooking water?
Yes, you should reserve a little bit of the pasta water after draining to help add moisture to the sauce later.
What is the correct internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken breasts should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I prepare the onions and garlic?
Sauté the sliced onions in olive oil and butter for 2 minutes until translucent, then add grated garlic for one additional minute.
How long does it take to cook the chicken breasts?
The chicken breasts typically take about 6 to 8 minutes on each side depending on their thickness.
Which herbs are used to season the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, with optional red pepper flakes for heat.
How are the lemons used in this recipe?
Both the juice and the zest of two lemons are used to create the vibrant citrus flavor in the sauce.
What fresh herbs are added at the end?
Freshly chopped parsley and fresh basil are stirred into the pasta at the end for aromatic flavor.
What side dishes pair well with this linguine?
It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans.
Is this dish suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, its light and zesty flavor profile makes it ideal for summer gatherings or entertaining.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, freshly grated Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
How should I prepare the chicken for serving?
Allow the chicken to rest after cooking, then slice it into strips before placing it on top of the pasta.
What should I do if the pasta seems too dry?
If the pasta needs more moisture, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
How do I make the lemon sauce in the skillet?
Add the lemon juice and zest to the skillet after removing the chicken, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to incorporate flavor.
What type of chicken is used?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into fillets.
Is there a specific way to cut the onion?
One small onion should be sliced for this recipe.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe uses three cloves of garlic that should be grated.
What kind of butter is recommended?
The recipe recommends using one tablespoon of unsalted butter.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, you can add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to provide a bit of heat.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick meal and an easy recipe suitable for busy weeknights.
How much olive oil is required?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between sautéing and finishing the dish.
Does this recipe use dried or fresh thyme?
The chicken is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add the garlic after the onions have sautéed for 2 minutes and cook it for only one minute while watching closely.
What should the texture of the pasta be?
The linguine should be 'al dente', which means firm to the bite.
Can this be served cold?
The description notes it is satisfying both warm and at room temperature, making it flexible for serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients used in this Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Linguine recipe.
What is the main flavor profile?
The main flavors are citrusy lemon, aromatic herbs like basil and parsley, and savory garlic and onion.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy and light dish.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to plate the linguine, top it with sliced chicken, and optionally sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.