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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, comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta (penne or rotini) Short shapes hold the sauce well
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts Slice lengthwise for quicker cooking
For Flavoring
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be used
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Adds richness
  • 1 tbsp Butter For a rich flavor
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour Thickens the sauce
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream For a luscious texture
  • ½ cup Pesto Choose high-quality or homemade
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Fresh is best
For the Extras
  • ½ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Sweet and flavorful
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Can swap for kale or Swiss chard
  • to taste Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Optional, can use nutritional yeast for dairy-free

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large Skillet
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Cook seasoned chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
  3. In the same skillet, make a roux with flour and chicken drippings. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring until thickened.
  4. Stir in heavy cream, pesto, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Add spinach and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Combine pasta with sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
  7. Serve with sliced chicken, garnish with Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Always check chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safety. Adjust flavors and ingredients as desired.

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