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Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach in Just 30 Minutes

This Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach is a family-friendly dish that comes together in just 30 minutes.
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, rotini, or fettuccine)
For the Chicken
  • 2 breasts chicken sliced lengthwise for even cooking
For the Flavor
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup pesto adjust based on preference
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes fresh cherry tomatoes work as a substitute
For Garnishing
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese optional

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • large skillet
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. Season sliced chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest.
  3. In the same skillet, sprinkle in flour and stir to create a roux. Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Add pesto and lemon juice, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes and let simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Toss in fresh spinach, stirring until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Fold the drained pasta into the skillet, ensuring it's evenly coated with sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Slice the rested chicken and place on top of the pasta. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Always taste before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.

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