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Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach Made Easy

This Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach is a quick and delicious dinner option, perfect for weeknight meals.
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 ounces short pasta (such as penne or rotini)
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts sliced lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter unsalted recommended
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or light cream
  • 1 cup pesto homemade or store-bought
For the Brightness
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice preferably fresh
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
For the Greens
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach
Optional Garnish
  • to taste Parmesan cheese freshly grated

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Add flour to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
  4. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly, then add cream, pesto, and lemon juice. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  5. Stir in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, allowing spinach to wilt for about 2 minutes.
  6. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing well, and add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
  7. Return sliced chicken to the skillet and heat through for about 2 minutes before serving, garnished with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and add pasta water if needed.

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