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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach for Cozy Nights

A comforting Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach recipe that's quick and crowd-pleasing, perfect for hectic weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces short pasta (penne or rotini)
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts sliced lengthwise
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter or plant-based alternative
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour or cornstarch/gluten-free blend
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup Pesto store-bought preferred
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  • 4 ounces Fresh Baby Spinach or kale
For Serving
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese optional; use nutritional yeast for vegan

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta per package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Slice chicken breasts lengthwise into cutlets and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken cutlets for about 5-6 minutes each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
  4. In the same skillet, lower heat, sprinkle in flour to create a roux, then whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, pesto, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Stir in spinach and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
  7. Mix sliced chicken back into the skillet, combine well, and serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients and adjust seasoning as necessary for the best flavor. This dish is versatile; feel free to add other vegetables or proteins.

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