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Spence's Chicken Pesto Linguine

Spence's Chicken Pesto Linguine balances tender bites of chicken with a basil-forward pesto that coats every strand, complemented by roasted peppers, earthy mushrooms, and briny artichokes. Fresh spinach wilts into the sauce, adding color and a gentle bitterness, while Parmesan brings a savory finish. It’s a vibrant, weeknight-friendly pasta that works for casual dinners or an easy centerpiece when hosting.

  • Prep20 mins
  • Cook25 mins
  • Serves4
  • DifficultyEasy
Spence's Chicken Pesto Linguine
  1. 1

    Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. When boiling, stir in the linguine and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm, about 11 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.

  2. 2

    While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken pieces, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic cloves, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts; reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook until the mushrooms start to release their juices, 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the spinach, and simmer just until the leaves wilt, about 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Place the cooked linguine in a bowl and toss with the basil pesto. Divide the pasta between 2 plates and top with the chicken mixture. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over each plate to serve.