Treat your taste buds to the vibrant and comforting flavors of Linguine with Chicken, Garlic, and Basil—a quick and satisfying pasta dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe combines tender, golden-brown chicken breast slices with al dente linguine, tossed in a fragrant garlic and fresh basil-infused olive oil sauce. A hint of red chili flakes adds just the right touch of warmth, while grated Parmesan and a splash of lemon juice round out the dish with richness and brightness. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of only 20 minutes, this meal delivers restaurant-quality flavor in no time. Perfectly paired with a side salad or crusty bread, it’s a must-try for pasta lovers and garlic enthusiasts alike! Keywords: linguine with chicken, garlic and basil pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, quick weeknight dinner idea.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet along with the sliced chicken. Toss to combine.
Stir in the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, red chili flakes, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, adding more pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
Season the dish with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drizzle with lemon juice for a bright finish.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Calories |
2143 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 74.7 g | 96% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.9 g | 89% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 506 mg | 169% | |
| Sodium | 4578 mg | 199% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 191.5 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.1 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 160.6 g | 321% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 602 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 16.0 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 694 mg | 15% | |
*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.