Lemon Basil Chicken Linguine Pasta

Lemon Basil Chicken Linguine Pasta is a bright, flavorful, and satisfying pasta dish that perfectly balances the zesty freshness of lemon, the aromatic fragrance of fresh basil, and the tender, juicy goodness of chicken.

Tossed with al dente linguine and a light, creamy sauce, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, date nights, or when you want a quick yet elegant meal that bursts with flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s vibrant, aromatic, and simple to prepare. The combination of lemon and basil creates a refreshing and uplifting flavor profile, while the chicken adds protein and substance to make it a complete meal.

The sauce lightly coats the pasta, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor without being too heavy. It’s versatile, quick to make, and perfect for both casual dinners and impressing guests.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it’s a perfect balance of lightness and indulgence. The bright lemon flavor awakens the palate, the basil adds freshness, and the tender chicken makes it hearty enough for a satisfying meal.

It’s also customizable—you can adjust the creaminess, spice level, or add extra vegetables to make it even more wholesome. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just looking for a quick, flavorful dinner, this dish stands out for its elegance and ease.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 480–520 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian / Contemporary

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) linguine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Optional garnish: extra Parmesan and fresh basil

Cooking Directions

1. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and add Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
7. Add cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
8. Stir in fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook pasta: Boil linguine until al dente, drain, and reserve pasta water.
2. Cook chicken: Sauté seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics: Cook garlic and red pepper flakes in the same skillet until fragrant.
4. Make sauce: Add lemon zest, juice, chicken broth, and cream; simmer gently.
5. Incorporate cheese: Stir in Parmesan until the sauce thickens.
6. Combine chicken and pasta: Add cooked chicken and toss with linguine, adjusting sauce with reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Finish with basil: Stir in fresh basil and season to taste.
8. Serve: Plate and garnish with extra Parmesan and basil.

How to Serve

Serve Lemon Basil Chicken Linguine Pasta warm as a main course. It pairs beautifully with a light green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Slice chicken thinly for faster cooking and even coating with sauce.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without thinning out flavor.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for bright, authentic flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best with this creamy sauce.
• Add extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach for additional color and nutrients.

Variations

• Garlic Lemon Shrimp Pasta: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood version.
• Creamier Option: Use full cream and more Parmesan for a richer sauce.
• Spicy Twist: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat linguine for a healthier, fiber-rich option.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Reheat gently on the stove.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or pasta fork for tossing
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, just add it to the sauce at the end to warm through.

Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Substitute cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.

Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
A: Yes, penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
A: Keep the heat low when adding cream and cheese, and stir continuously.

Q: Can this be made ahead?
A: Yes, cook chicken and pasta separately and reheat with sauce when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Lemon Basil Chicken Linguine Pasta is a bright, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, fresh basil, zesty lemon, and creamy sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. Quick to prepare yet elegant, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or entertaining guests. With its refreshing flavors, versatile ingredients, and restaurant-quality presentation, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves vibrant, comforting pasta recipes.