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–+ servings
Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach Made Easy

Quick and comforting, this Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach is a perfect weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Short pasta (penne or rotini)
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken breasts Can substitute with turkey or tofu
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder Or fresh garlic for bolder flavor
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil Can use avocado oil
  • 1 tbsp Butter Use vegan butter for dairy-free option
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour Gluten-free flour works too
  • 1 cup Chicken broth Can substitute with vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Can use half-and-half or plant-based cream
  • 1/2 cup Pesto
  • 1/2 tbsp Lemon juice Juice of half a lemon
  • 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes Can substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups Baby spinach Kale can be used instead
For the Finish
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese Optional, can use nutritional yeast as dairy-free alternative

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta and cook until al dente, around 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Season chicken with garlic powder, salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add flour to drippings, stir for 1 minute. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream, pesto, and lemon juice. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  6. Add drained pasta to skillet; toss to coat in sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to desired consistency.
  7. Slice rested chicken and fold into pasta. Warm for another minute before serving.
  8. Serve pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F and adjust flavors with additional pesto if desired.

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