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Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach in 30 Minutes

Quick and delicious, this Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach is perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Penne or Rotini
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp Butter or more oil for dairy-free
For the Sauce
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder or fresh garlic
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour or cornstarch for gluten-free
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or half-and-half for lighter sauce
  • 1/2 cup Pesto
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice or vinegar
For the Vegetables
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach or kale or arugula
For the Finish
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese or nutritional yeast for vegan

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • whisk
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat with olive oil and butter. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
  3. Create the Roux: In the same skillet, add flour to remaining fat and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
  4. Build the Sauce: Gradually whisk in chicken broth then heavy cream. As it heats, add pesto, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Add the Spinach: Stir in fresh baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss lightly, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice chicken and lay on top of pasta. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Follow these expert tips for best results: Cook pasta al dente, season generously, use fresh ingredients, save pasta water, let chicken rest, and experiment with different pestos.

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