Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomatoes

User Reviews

5.0

9 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    640 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomatoes

This creamy chicken pesto pasta recipe has tender pan-fried chicken with a delicious sun-dried tomato and spinach pesto sauce. It comes together in about 30 minutes!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts cut into half lengthwise
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup pesto
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or more to taste
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
  • Freshly grated parmesan for serving (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Boil a large, salted pot of water for the pasta. Cook al dente according to package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, cut the chicken lengthwise so you've got 4 thinner pieces. Season them with the garlic powder and salt & pepper.
  3. Heat the oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes/side or until it's cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate. Let it rest for a few minutes and then slice it into bite-size pieces.
  4. Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and cook for about 1 minute (there should still be some butter/oil in there, but if the pan is dry, add 1 tablespoon butter first).
  5. Add in the chicken broth, cream, pesto, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom. Let it gently simmer for a few minutes until it's thickened up a bit.
  6. Stir in the spinach and let it wilt. Add in the drained pasta (add some of the hot pasta water prior to draining it if the sauce appears a bit thick) and toss.
  7. Season with extra salt & pepper if needed, and serve with the sliced chicken on top and extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Some brands of pesto have more lemon juice than others, so I recommend tasting and adjusting the lemon juice as needed. 
  • I use sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil and drain the oil before adding them to the sauce.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 640kcal (32%) Carbohydrates 51g (17%) Protein 35g (70%) Fat 33g (51%) Saturated Fat 14g (70%) Cholesterol 142mg (47%) Sodium 458mg (19%) Potassium 921mg (26%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 2556IU (51%) Vitamin C 11mg (12%) Calcium 94mg (9%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 640 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 640kcal 32%
Carbohydrates 51g 17%
Protein 35g 70%
Fat 33g 51%
Saturated Fat 14g 70%
Cholesterol 142mg 47%
Sodium 458mg 19%
Potassium 921mg 20%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 2556IU 51%
Vitamin C 11mg 12%
Calcium 94mg 9%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5.0

9 reviews
Excellent

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