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Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach for Quick Comfort

This Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach is a quick and delicious dinner option that combines creamy pesto, tender chicken, and fresh spinach.
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
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced thinly
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup pesto high-quality store-bought
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
For the Add-ins
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions for about 8-10 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then sear for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.
  3. In the same skillet, add flour and stir for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring to create a smooth mixture.
  4. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, pesto, and lemon juice. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  5. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, stirring until spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
  7. Slice the chicken and serve on top of pasta, optionally sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use quality ingredients and adjust seasoning to personal preference for the best flavor.

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