Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach for Cozy Nights

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach is a delightful fusion of rich flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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 oz Any short pasta (penne or rotini)
For the Chicken
  • 2 medium Chicken Breasts Thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Butter
For the Seasoning and Thickening
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Substitute with fresh garlic if desired
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free blends work
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth for vegetarian option
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Lighter dairy alternatives may affect thickness
  • 1 cup Pesto Opt for fresh basil varieties
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
For the Veggies
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Kale or arugula are great substitutes
For the Finish
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (optional) Nutritional yeast for dairy-free option

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the short pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, sprinkle in flour, and stir for 1 minute. Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Add pesto, lemon juice, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  4. Stir in spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted and bright.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently with sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.
  6. Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it over the pasta. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth to maintain creaminess.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!