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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 68 reviews

A rich and flavorful Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta that combines tender chicken breast with a luscious pesto cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.

Ingredients

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

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

To Serve

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from heat and rest before slicing lengthwise into strips.
  3. Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, sprinkle the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  4. Add Liquid Ingredients: Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the pesto, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Serve: Plate the pasta and top with the sliced chicken breasts. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
  • Use fresh baby spinach for a vibrant color and mild flavor; substitute with kale or arugula if preferred.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy dimension to the sauce—you can use oil-packed or dry versions, rehydrated.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy alternative but note it may affect creaminess.
  • Grated Parmesan is optional but highly recommended for an authentic flavor boost.

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