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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach for Cozy Nights

Delight in this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach, perfect for cozy nights and ready in 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 package Pasta Any short or long pasta shape works
For the Chicken
  • 2 lbs Chicken Breasts Slice lengthwise for even cooking
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Or use fresh garlic for bolder flavor
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing the chicken
  • 1 tablespoon Butter Adds richness to the sauce
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Can substitute with cornstarch for a gluten-free option
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth works for a lighter dish
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Lighter dairy will change sauce richness
  • ½ cup Pesto Choose your favorite brand
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Adds brightness to the sauce
  • ½ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Optional
For the Greens
  • 3 cups Fresh Baby Spinach Will wilt into the sauce
For Garnishing
  • to taste Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Slice the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté in a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil and butter for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through.
  3. In the same skillet, create a roux with flour. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, then simmer until thickened.
  4. Stir in pesto and lemon juice, then add sun-dried tomatoes (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Fold in spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if too thick.
  7. Serve the pasta topped with sliced chicken and garnished with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is best enjoyed fresh; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

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