Linguine Pesto with Italian Chicken Strips
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible Linguine Pesto with Italian Chicken Strips recipe, a perfect fusion of creamy pesto pasta and savory, herb-seasoned chicken. Tender linguine is coated in a luscious store-bought basil pesto sauce, thinned with reserved pasta water for the perfect consistency, while golden-brown chicken strips seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic powder add a rich, flavorful protein boost. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with vibrant cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves, this dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ready in just 35 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy households craving a restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for lovers of Italian-inspired cuisine, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup store-bought basil pesto
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and slice them into thin strips.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the pesto. Stir in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to create a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the pesto sauce.
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and gently toss to combine. If using, add cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve the linguine pesto with Italian chicken strips on plates or in bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Linguine Pesto with Italian Chicken Strips!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2971 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 153.3 g | 197% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.2 g | 156% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 535 mg | 178% | |
| Sodium | 6904 mg | 300% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 212.6 g | 77% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.1 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.1 g | ||
| Protein | 176.7 g | 353% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 1037 mg | 80% | |
| Iron | 21.9 mg | 122% | |
| Potassium | 2264 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
