Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach: 7 Easy Wins

Name: Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta; 2 chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup pesto; 1/2 tsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes; 2 cups fresh baby spinach; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Let’s be honest—some nights call for a dinner that feels like a warm hug and looks like you totally have your life together. That’s exactly where Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach swoops in to save the day. It’s rich, velvety, packed with flavor, and—best part—ready in just 30 minutes.

Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy pesto sauce clinging to every bite, with pops of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy Italian bistro, and your family? They’ll be hovering before you even call them to the table.

And don’t worry—I’ve got your back every step of the way. Let’s make this magic happen together.

Why You’ll Love This Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Weeknight-friendly: Done in 30 minutes, start to finish
Flavor-packed: Creamy pesto + sun-dried tomatoes = chef’s kiss
Balanced comfort: Rich yet fresh thanks to spinach and lemon
Family-approved: Even picky eaters tend to clean their plates
One-pan sauce magic: Less mess, more joy

This dish hits that sweet spot between indulgent and fresh—perfect for busy moms, professionals, or anyone craving a no-fuss dinner that still feels special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple but flavorful:

8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work beautifully)
2 chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup pesto
1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
2 cups fresh baby spinach
Freshly grated Parmesan (optional, but highly recommended)

Step-by-Step: Let’s Cook Together

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente.
Before draining, scoop out about 1/2 cup of pasta water—this is liquid gold for your sauce later.

2. Season & Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked (about 4–5 minutes per side).
Set aside to rest, then slice.

3. Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet (hello, flavor!), sprinkle in the flour and stir for about 1 minute.
This helps create that silky, creamy texture we’re after.

4. Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then add heavy cream, pesto, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened—about 3–5 minutes.

5. Add the Spinach

Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until wilted. It’ll shrink down quickly, so don’t panic if it looks like a lot at first!

6. Combine Everything

Add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a little reserved pasta water until it’s just right.

7. Finish & Serve

Top with sliced chicken and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately—and prepare for compliments. Lots of them.

Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach in a creamy pesto sauce with spinach and herbs — Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach tossed in a velvety pesto cream sauce

Chef Omar’s Kitchen Tips

Sauce too thick? Pasta water is your best friend. Add a little at a time until silky.
Chicken shortcut: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken when you’re really pressed for time. No judgment here!

Want extra greens? Toss in kale or arugula along with the spinach.
Flavor boost: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick.

And if your sauce looks a little rebellious at first—don’t worry. It always comes together in the end. Cooking is part science, part magic.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach became a regular in my kitchen after one of those “what’s in the fridge?” nights. I had some leftover pesto, a bag of spinach on its last leg, and a serious craving for comfort food.

What came out of that experiment? A dish so good that my friends now request it by name. And honestly, nothing makes me happier than seeing a simple recipe turn into a family favorite.

Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach in skillet with parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes — Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach freshly cooked in a skillet with herbs and cheese

FAQs About Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni—anything that holds sauce well will shine in this easy chicken pasta recipe.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

Can I make it lighter?

You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Is freezing an option?

Not recommended. Cream-based sauces tend to separate after freezing.

Bring Comfort to Your Table Tonight

There’s something truly special about a dish that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours on it. This Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach delivers that perfect balance—comforting, fresh, and just a little bit indulgent.

So go ahead, grab your skillet, and let your kitchen fill with those irresistible aromas. Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable—and this recipe proves it in every creamy, pesto-coated bite.

More Cozy Dinners to Try Next

If this Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach made your evening a little more delicious, here are a few more recipes to keep that same cozy, feel-good energy going in your kitchen:

Add a warm, bakery-style touch to your meal with this garlic parmesan focaccia bread—perfect for soaking up every bit of that creamy sauce.
Love those pesto flavors? You’ll definitely want to try this pesto chicken tortellini and veggies or get inspired by this delicious take on creamy chicken pesto pasta.
For another comforting pasta night, this creamy chicken and corn pasta with bacon brings rich, hearty flavors everyone will enjoy.

And when you’re craving something a little lighter but still satisfying, this roasted veggie pasta with feta is fresh, colorful, and full of flavor.

Whichever one you choose next, you’re just a few simple steps away from another memorable meal. Happy cooking!