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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach in Just 30 Minutes

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach is a quick and easy weeknight dinner, perfect for the whole family.
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 farfalle)
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts sliced lengthwise
For the Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking chicken
  • 2 tablespoons butter can substitute with olive oil for dairy-free
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch for gluten-free
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional topping

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • ladle

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Season sliced chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate to rest, then slice.
  3. In the same skillet, sprinkle in all-purpose flour, stirring continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux. Ensure it turns slightly golden and releases a nutty aroma.
  4. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Add heavy cream, pesto, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Keep the heat low to maintain warmth.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing with the sauce to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Serve pasta with sliced chicken on top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a unique twist, consider experimenting with different vegetables or proteins. Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper can enhance the flavor.

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