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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

  • Author: Christopher
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach combines tender chicken breast, fresh spinach, and a luscious plant-based cheesy sauce with homemade basil pesto for a rich, vibrant, and nutritious meal. Quick and easy to prepare, this flavorful pasta dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions, delivering a creamy texture balanced with fresh greens and aromatic garlic.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta (or gluten-free pasta if preferred)

Vegetables and Greens

  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons homemade basil pesto (basil, pine nuts, garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), olive oil)
  • 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded or grated
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (plus extra for cooking chicken and sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Toasted pine nuts
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Prep and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat, let rest briefly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve one cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce later.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce: In the same skillet, add a teaspoon of olive oil and gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Reduce heat and stir in basil pesto, plant-based cheese (plant-based), lemon juice (natural), and natural gelling agent. Slowly mix in reserved pasta water to reach desired creaminess and thickness.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss gently until spinach wilts slightly and the sauce evenly coats all ingredients.
  5. Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Plate the creamy chicken pesto pasta with spinach and garnish as desired for a colorful, inviting meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil and spinach for the best flavor versus frozen or jarred options.
  • Do not overcook pasta to maintain a perfect al dente texture for tossing in sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to naturally loosen and perfect sauce texture.
  • Allow cooked chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • Adjust creaminess by gradually adding reserved pasta water or plant-based cheese (plant-based).
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pesto pasta, spinach pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, quick dinner, gluten free pasta recipes, healthy pasta dinner

Find it online: https://easyrecipeplanet.com/creamy-chicken-pesto-pasta-with-spinach/