Description
Simple Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach is a rich, comforting 30-minute dinner made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy pesto sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
- In the same skillet, sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, pesto, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Top with sliced chicken and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or broth.
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg