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+ servings
Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Deliciously Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes

This Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for bustling weeknights.
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 Pasta Penne or fettuccine
  • 1 tbsp Salt For seasoning pasta water
For the Chicken
  • 2 lbs Chicken Breasts Boneless, skinless
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing
  • 1 tbsp Butter For added richness
For the Sauce
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder Savory depth
  • 3 tbsp All-Purpose Flour For thickening
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth For added flavor
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream For a creamy texture
  • 1 cup Pesto Use homemade or store-bought
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice To balance richness
For Color and Flavor
  • 1 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes Adds sweetness
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach For nutrition
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Optional for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Heat skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, cooking for 6-7 minutes per side until golden.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and whisk in flour. Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream until combined, then stir in pesto, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add spinach to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  5. Fold in drained pasta and reserved pasta water as needed for sauce consistency.
  6. Add chicken back into the skillet, combining until heated through. Serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, do not overcook the pasta and reserve pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency.

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