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Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta for a Cozy Weeknight Meal

This Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick and comforting dish, ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights and filled with rich flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta any short pasta shape like penne or rotini
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts sliced lengthwise for even cooking
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder or use fresh garlic for bolder taste
  • to taste Salt and Pepper essential seasonings
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil for cooking the chicken
  • 2 tbsp Butter or replace with more olive oil for dairy-free
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free option
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream light cream can be used
  • 1/2 cup Pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice can be omitted
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes
  • 4 cups Fresh Baby Spinach or other leafy greens like kale
For Serving
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, sprinkle in flour, and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Scrape any brown bits from the bottom.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, followed by heavy cream. Once smooth, add pesto, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes, and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  5. Add the Spinach: Fold in fresh spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  6. Combine with Pasta: Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  7. Serve with Chicken: Slice cooked chicken and place on top of the pasta. Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Let the chicken rest after cooking for best results.

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