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Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach in 30 Minutes

A quick and delicious recipe for Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach that pleases the whole family.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 570

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz short pasta (penne or rotini)
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts pan-seared
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
For the Sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil for dairy-free
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch for gluten-free
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half/coconut milk
  • ½ cup pesto store-bought is fine
  • ½ tbsp lemon juice fresh is best
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach or kale/arugula
Topping (optional)
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and 165°F internally. Let rest before slicing.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add flour, stirring for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
  4. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Add heavy cream, pesto, and lemon juice. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Combine the drained pasta with the creamy sauce. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if necessary.
  7. Slice the rested chicken and either fold it into the pasta or place it on top. Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 570kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 32gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Avoid freezing to maintain texture.

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