Go Back
–+ servings
Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

This Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach is a quick, creamy, and flavorful weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breasts sliced for even cooking
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or neutral oil
  • 1 tablespoon Butter reduce for a lighter option
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour or cornstarch for gluten-free
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup Pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice omit for milder taste
For the Extras
  • 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes
  • 3 cups Fresh Baby Spinach or kale
  • 1/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • whisk

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Season sliced chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Sauté chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked.
  3. In the same skillet, sprinkle in flour and cook for about one minute. Gradually whisk in broth and cream, then add pesto and lemon juice. Add sun-dried tomatoes and let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in spinach and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  5. Toss drained pasta into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed. Combine with sliced chicken and heat through.
  6. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Feel free to mix and match ingredients to your family's taste preferences.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!