Chicken Pesto Linguine with Fresh Basil

Chicken Pesto Linguine with Fresh Basil is an elegant yet simple Italian-inspired pasta dish that combines tender strips of chicken, al dente linguine, and a vibrant homemade basil pesto sauce. The pesto — made with fragrant basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and pine nuts — creates a creamy, herby coating that clings beautifully to each strand of pasta.

It’s a perfect harmony of fresh, zesty, and savory flavors — ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The freshness of basil and the richness of olive oil make this dish comforting and wholesome at the same time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. The pesto sauce takes just minutes to make but delivers gourmet-level flavor. Every forkful is bursting with freshness — the herbal aroma of basil, the nuttiness of pine nuts, and the creaminess of Parmesan create magic together.

Adding tender chicken gives this dish heartiness and makes it a complete meal. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but is actually light and nourishing — perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this dish because:

• It’s fresh, flavorful, and quick — ready in under 30 minutes.
• The homemade pesto tastes far superior to store-bought versions.
• It’s customizable — you can use any pasta or protein you like.
• It’s a great way to celebrate fresh basil season.
• It feels like a fine-dining experience made right in your kitchen.

This pasta will win hearts — it’s comfort food with elegance.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~520 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

For the Pesto Sauce:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts for variation)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) linguine
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, for boiling water

Optional Toppings:

• Extra grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Cherry tomatoes (halved, for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook the pasta until al dente.
2. Sear the chicken until golden and tender.
3. Prepare fresh basil pesto in a blender.
4. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in vibrant green pesto sauce.
5. Serve warm with Parmesan and basil garnish.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Linguine

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and toss the pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Remove from the pan, let it rest for a minute, and slice into thin strips.

Step 3: Make the Pesto Sauce

1. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth and creamy.
4. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. In a large pan, add the cooked linguine and sliced chicken.
2. Pour the pesto sauce over and toss gently to coat.
3. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer to plates or bowls, sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top, and serve warm.

How to Serve

• Serve hot as a main course for lunch or dinner.
• Pair with garlic bread, bruschetta, or a simple green salad.
• Enjoy with a glass of white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) for a restaurant-style experience.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh basil for the best flavor — avoid wilted leaves.
• Toast the pine nuts lightly before blending to enhance nuttiness.
• Don’t overcook the chicken — keep it juicy.
• If your pesto is too thick, thin it out with a little warm pasta water or olive oil.
• You can store leftover pesto in the fridge for 4–5 days with a thin layer of olive oil on top.

Variations

• Creamy Pesto Linguine: Stir in 2 tbsp of cream or cream cheese for extra richness.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add grilled zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
• Shrimp Pesto Pasta: Replace chicken with sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Spinach-Basil Pesto: Use half basil and half spinach for a milder flavor.
• Nut-Free Version: Replace pine nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat with a splash of milk or olive oil to refresh the sauce.

Freezing:

• Freeze pesto sauce alone (not the pasta) for up to 2 months in ice cube trays.
• Thaw in the fridge and use for fresh pasta anytime.

Special Equipment Needed

• Food processor or blender (for pesto)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or pasta fork

FAQ

Q1: Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, but homemade pesto has a fresher and brighter flavor.

Q2: Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely — spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work well.

Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast instead of regular cheese.

Q4: How do I make it extra creamy?
Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoon of cream cheese to the pesto before mixing.

Q5: Can I make it ahead?
Yes, you can make the pesto and cook the chicken ahead; assemble right before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

The Chicken Pesto Linguine with Fresh Basil is the perfect combination of comfort, freshness, and gourmet flavor. It’s light yet satisfying, simple yet impressive — a dish that feels like summer in every bite.

The aromatic pesto clinging to golden strands of linguine and tender chicken makes this a timeless Italian classic that never fails to delight.