Fresh Lemon Basil Pasta with Grilled Chicken
A quick and easy summer dinner featuring linguine tossed in a bright lemon basil sauce, topped with smoky grilled chicken. This dish is light, refreshing, and perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing chicken)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package instructions (9-11 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to plate and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine. Add reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Add drained pasta to skillet and toss gently to coat with lemon-garlic oil. Add more pasta water if needed for silky texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and stir in sliced fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss lightly to combine.
- Divide pasta among plates and top with sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle with extra olive oil and garnish with cracked black pepper or basil leaves if desired.
Notes
If the pasta sauce is too tart, add a pinch of sugar to balance. Always slice chicken against the grain for tenderness. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce as needed. Garlic should be sautéed just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. Basil should be added off heat to preserve flavor and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate with pasta a
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 38
Keywords: lemon basil pasta, grilled chicken, summer dinner, quick pasta recipe, easy weeknight meal, fresh herbs, light dinner