Introduction
If you are looking for a simple and delicious pasta dish that is perfect for any night of the week, then this easy chicken linguine recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender pieces of chicken with silky linguine pasta in a creamy and flavorful sauce that will satisfy your taste buds and fill you up without much fuss.
This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also uses everyday ingredients you likely have in your kitchen. Whether you are a beginner cook or just want a fuss free meal that tastes like it took hours to make, this chicken linguine is perfect.
It is rich, comforting, and can easily be customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs. You can enjoy this meal on a cozy evening at home or serve it up for friends and family who want a tasty, homemade dinner. Plus, it pairs beautifully with simple sides and a glass of your favorite wine.
This dish strikes the right balance between being hearty and light and is a great way to bring a little Italian flair to your table without complicated steps or expensive ingredients. Let’s dive into the ingredients and easy instructions so you can whip up this delicious meal quickly.
Ingredients Needed
To make this chicken linguine, you will need some basic ingredients that come together to create a creamy and flavorful dish. You will need fresh chicken breasts which provide lean protein and keep the meal satisfying.
Linguine pasta is the perfect choice here because its flat shape holds the sauce nicely. Olive oil is used to cook the chicken and add some richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Garlic and onion are essential aromatics that bring depth and fragrance to the sauce. Heavy cream creates the silky base of the sauce, while Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty finish. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness at the end.
Salt and pepper are used to season the dish perfectly. A splash of lemon juice brightens everything up and balances the creaminess. Below is a handy ingredients table along with approximate calorie counts to help you keep track of nutrition.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 2 medium (about 300 grams) | 330 |
| Linguine pasta | 250 grams | 870 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 |
| Garlic cloves | 3 cloves | 15 |
| Onion | 1 medium | 44 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup (240 ml) | 400 |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup grated | 215 |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons chopped | 2 |
| Salt | To taste | 0 |
| Black pepper | To taste | 0 |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | 4 |
This recipe serves about four people and totals roughly 2100 calories for the whole dish which breaks down to around 525 calories per serving. It is a balanced meal with a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cooking this chicken linguine is easy and straightforward even if you are new to making pasta dishes. The first step is to cook the linguine. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the linguine.
Cook it according to the package instructions until it is just tender but still has a bit of bite to it. This is called al dente and it helps the pasta hold its shape and texture when combined with the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite sized pieces and season them generously with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook them for about five to seven minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. It is important to stir occasionally so the chicken cooks evenly.
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatics for two to three minutes until they are soft and fragrant but not browned.
Next, pour in the heavy cream and stir it well into the onion and garlic mixture. Let this simmer gently for three to four minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Now add the cooked chicken back into the skillet followed by the drained linguine pasta. Toss everything together so that the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if needed.
Finally, squeeze in a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to add a bright and fresh finish that balances the richness of the cream. Your easy chicken linguine is now ready to serve hot and enjoy.
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Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this chicken linguine recipe is how easy it is to customize to fit your tastes or dietary needs.
If you want to add more veggies to make it a more balanced meal, try adding fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, or halved cherry tomatoes. You can add these when you cook the onions and garlic so they soften and blend well into the sauce.
For a lighter sauce, swap the heavy cream with half and half or even milk. If you prefer a dairy free or vegan alternative, coconut milk works surprisingly well and adds a subtle sweetness.
If you like your food with a bit of a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika while cooking the aromatics.
You can also easily switch up the protein by using shrimp, turkey breast, or even tofu if you want a vegetarian version.
For those who need to avoid gluten, gluten free linguine or another pasta substitute such as rice noodles or spiralized vegetables can work too.
Finally, if you want to elevate the dish for a special occasion, try topping the pasta with toasted pine nuts or fresh basil leaves.
Nutritional Information
This easy chicken linguine dish provides a good balance of macronutrients with a decent amount of protein from the chicken and cheese, carbohydrates from the linguine, and fats from the olive oil and cream.
On average, each serving contains around 530 calories making it a filling yet reasonable meal.
You get approximately 40 grams of protein which helps keep you full and supports muscle health.
The carbohydrates come mostly from the pasta and provide long lasting energy.
The fat content is about 18 grams per serving including some saturated fat from the cream and cheese.
The dish also offers a small amount of fiber mainly from the onion and parsley.
Sodium is moderate but can be adjusted by reducing added salt or using low sodium cheese.
This recipe can easily fit into a balanced diet when eaten in appropriate portions and paired with vegetables or salad.
Serving Suggestions
To make your chicken linguine meal more complete and satisfying, consider pairing it with some fresh and simple sides.
A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette is a great choice because it adds freshness and a contrasting texture to the creamy pasta.
Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a classic accompaniment that helps soak up every bit of the sauce.
If you want to keep it light and healthy, steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are perfect sides that add color and nutrients.
For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the creamy chicken pasta.
If you prefer non alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or iced herbal tea complements the meal nicely.
Read More: Crispy Chicken Chimichangas Recipe
Conclusion
This easy chicken linguine recipe is the perfect solution when you want a homemade meal that is quick to make but full of flavor.
It combines simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying dish that the whole family can enjoy.
The recipe is beginner friendly and can be easily adjusted to your tastes or dietary needs.
Whether you keep it classic or add your favorite vegetables or spices, this chicken linguine always turns out delicious.
It is a great option for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you want a comforting plate of pasta that feels special.
Try making it soon and enjoy the delicious taste of this effortless chicken linguine meal.