Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach in 30 Minutes

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach is a quick, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
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 and Chicken
  • 8 oz Short pasta (penne, rotini, or bow ties)
  • 2 lbs Chicken breasts sliced lengthwise
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp Pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil for cooking
  • 1 tbsp Butter for richness
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Chicken broth can substitute with vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Heavy cream avoid lighter dairy
  • ½ cup Pesto homemade or store-bought
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice fresh
For the Veggies and Extras
  • ½ cup Sun-dried tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups Fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Colander

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate to rest before slicing.
  3. In the same skillet, lower heat and sprinkle in flour. Cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, stirring constantly until golden.
  4. Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring to combine. Scrape up browned bits and allow to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in heavy cream, pesto, and lemon juice. Mix well, then add sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until smooth.
  6. Add spinach to the creamy sauce and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta with sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
  8. Slice the rested chicken and arrange it over the pasta. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 40gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Perfect for quick weeknight dinners. You can customize with different proteins or vegetables.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!