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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 64 reviews

A rich and flavorful Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, tossed with al dente pasta in a luscious pesto cream sauce enhanced by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an irresistible meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 8 oz pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise

Seasonings and Fats

  • 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

Garnish

  • 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, about 8-10 minutes depending on pasta type. Reserve some pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
  3. Make the Roux: In the same skillet, sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  4. Build the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Stir in pesto, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Add the Spinach: Stir fresh baby spinach into the sauce and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Serve: Arrange sliced chicken on top of the pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for a creamy and flavorful dish.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency for a silkier texture.
  • Use fresh baby spinach for best flavor and texture; other greens like kale can be substituted but may require longer cooking.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness and depth; use oil-packed for more flavor or dry-packed rehydrated in warm water if preferred.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan enhances the dish’s creaminess and adds a salty touch; feel free to omit for a dairy-free option.

Keywords: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, Chicken Pasta, Pesto Sauce, Creamy Pasta, Italian Chicken Dish

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