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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 137 reviews

This creamy chicken pesto pasta combines tender slices of seasoned chicken breast with a rich, velvety sauce made from pesto, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. Tossed with fresh baby spinach and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s an easy yet impressive dish that works well for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken

  • 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

For the Sauce

  • 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

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken slices and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet, allow to rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
  3. Make the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour into the same skillet and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
  4. Add Liquids and Flavorings: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, pesto, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Incorporate Spinach: Stir the fresh baby spinach into the sauce and cook until wilted.
  6. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
  7. Serve: Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if using. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness – feel free to substitute with roasted red peppers if preferred.
  • Use fresh pesto for best flavor, or store-bought pesto works well too.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a lovely salty finish.

Find it online: https://forkvista.com/creamy-chicken-pesto-pasta-recipe-2/