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Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Deliciously Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

This Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach is a quick, family-friendly dinner that combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a rich pesto cream sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta (penne or rotini)
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken Breasts (sliced) Substitute with turkey or tofu if desired.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Can swap for fresh minced garlic.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Vegetable oil can be substituted.
  • 1 tbsp Butter For dairy-free, substitute with margarine or omit.
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour Cornstarch is a gluten-free alternative.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
  • ½ cup Pesto Use good-quality store-bought pesto.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Fresh juice recommended.
  • ½ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (chopped) Fresh cherry tomatoes can be used.
  • 2 cups Fresh Baby Spinach
  • to taste Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional) Nutritional yeast for dairy-free option.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your chosen pasta, cooking it according to package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the rest and set aside.
  2. Season both sides of the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle in flour, whisk for about a minute to prevent lumps. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring continuously to deglaze the skillet. Add heavy cream, pesto, lemon juice, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until well combined and thickened for about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Once the sauce has thickened, stir in fresh baby spinach until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Fold in the drained pasta, ensuring it's evenly coated in sauce. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning. Return sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything until heated thoroughly. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan for added richness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Gather ingredients ahead of time for a smoother cooking experience. Adjust pasta cooking time to ensure it remains al dente for the best texture.

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