Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
A deliciously creamy chicken pesto pasta featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh baby spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes tossed in a rich pesto cream sauce. This easy stovetop recipe combines the comforting flavors of Parmesan and lemon-infused pesto for a satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
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
Topping
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from skillet, rest for a few minutes, then slice lengthwise.
- Make Roux: In the same skillet, sprinkle the all-purpose flour and stir continuously for about one minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, pesto, and lemon juice. Add the sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer the sauce over medium heat until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked 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.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with the sliced chicken breasts. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce will be less rich.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness; rehydrate them in warm water if very dry.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without thinning flavor.
- Garnish with fresh basil for extra herbaceous flavor.
Keywords: chicken pesto pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, Italian pasta recipe, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach pasta
Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/creamy-chicken-pesto-pasta-recipe/
