Creamy Pesto Chicken & Spinach Pasta

In the whirlwind of busy weeknights, finding a dinner that’s both quick to prepare and utterly delicious can feel like hitting the jackpot. For my family, this Creamy Pesto Chicken & Spinach Pasta has become that golden ticket. From the moment the aroma of garlic and pesto fills the kitchen, anticipation builds. Even my pickiest eater, who usually eyes anything green with suspicion, devours a generous helping of this vibrant pasta dish. The creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta perfectly, the tender chicken is bursting with flavor, and the spinach adds a welcome freshness and a sneaky dose of greens. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that’s both comforting and satisfying. Honestly, this recipe has saved me on countless evenings when time is short, but the desire for a home-cooked, flavorful meal is strong. It’s become a staple in our rotation, and I’m thrilled to share this family favorite with you, hoping it becomes a cherished dish in your home too!

Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Chicken & Spinach Pasta

• Chicken Breast: 1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, provides the protein base of the dish.
• Pasta: 1 lb, your choice of pasta (penne, fusilli, rotini, or farfalle work well), forms the heart of the meal.
• Pesto: 1 cup, store-bought or homemade pesto (basil pesto recommended), for that signature vibrant flavor.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup, adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup, thins the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, enhances the savory notes of the dish.
• Spinach: 5 oz, fresh spinach, adds nutrients, color, and a touch of freshness.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing chicken and garlic.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, for topping and adding salty, cheesy flavor.
• Salt: To taste, enhances the overall flavors of the ingredients.
• Black Pepper: To taste, adds a subtle spice and complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch, for a touch of heat.

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy Pesto Chicken & Spinach Pasta Perfection

This recipe is designed to be straightforward and efficient, perfect for busy weeknights. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying Creamy Pesto Chicken & Spinach Pasta:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by preparing your chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as it’s the foundation of the chicken’s flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this will help create a nice golden-brown sear. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the skillet and steam the chicken instead of searing it. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend for ensuring perfectly cooked chicken. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest on a cutting board.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, start boiling water for your pasta. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the pasta water is essential; it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Once boiling, add your pasta of choice to the pot. Cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian – the pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight firmness when you bite into it. This texture holds up better in creamy sauces. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold when making pasta sauces, as it helps to emulsify the sauce and create a silky smooth texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Wilt Spinach

In the same skillet you used for the chicken (no need to clean it, those chicken bits add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of sautéing garlic is a wonderful indicator that it’s ready. Next, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. You might need to add it in batches as it wilts down significantly. Stir the spinach continuously until it has wilted and reduced in volume, usually just a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and spinach. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken. Simmering helps the flavors meld together and the sauce to reduce to the desired consistency. Now, stir in the pesto. Use a good quality pesto, whether store-bought or homemade, as it’s a key flavor component of the dish. Stir the pesto into the creamy sauce until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce turns a beautiful vibrant green. If you prefer a slightly thinner sauce, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water at this point.

Step 6: Slice the Chicken and Combine with Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, slice the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips. You can either slice them thinly or cube them, depending on your preference. Add the sliced chicken to the creamy pesto sauce in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and pesto sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure that the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese. This will melt into the sauce and add extra creaminess and cheesy flavor. Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. If you like a little heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves (optional) for a final touch of freshness and visual appeal. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken & Spinach Pasta!

Nutrition Facts (per serving, estimated)

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 650 kcal
• Protein: 45g

Preparation Time: Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (chopping chicken, garlic, measuring ingredients)
• Cook Time: 25 minutes (cooking chicken, pasta, and sauce)
• Total Time: 40 minutes

This Creamy Pesto Chicken & Spinach Pasta is perfect for a weeknight dinner because it comes together in under 45 minutes from start to finish. The active cooking time is relatively short, making it a great option when you’re short on time but still want a wholesome and flavorful meal.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken & Spinach Pasta

This versatile dish can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Bowl: Serve generous portions in bowls as a comforting and satisfying main course.
• Garlic Bread Side: Pair with warm, crusty garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Consider a simple green salad, a Caprese salad, or a Caesar salad.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers for added nutrients and texture.
• Lemon Wedge: Offer lemon wedges on the side for those who like a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors of the dish.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy pesto sauce beautifully.
• Parmesan and Fresh Basil Garnish: Always offer extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for garnishing at the table.

Additional Tips for Perfect Creamy Pesto Chicken & Spinach Pasta

Elevate your Creamy Pesto Chicken & Spinach Pasta with these helpful tips and tricks:

1. Use High-Quality Pesto: The pesto is the star of this dish, so using a good quality pesto makes a significant difference. Homemade pesto is fantastic if you have the time, but a good store-bought pesto will also work wonderfully. Look for pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook the chicken just until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Resting the chicken after cooking helps to keep it juicy.
3. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better when combined with sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the creamy sauce.
4. Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t discard the pasta water! It’s starchy and helps to create a smooth and emulsified sauce. Adding a little pasta water to the sauce helps it cling to the pasta beautifully.
5. Sauté Garlic Gently: Sauté the garlic over medium heat and watch it carefully. Burnt garlic will taste bitter and ruin the flavor of the dish. Sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, but not brown.
6. Wilt Spinach Properly: Ensure the spinach is fully wilted before adding the cream and pesto. Overcrowding the pan with spinach can cause it to steam instead of wilt. Add it in batches if needed and stir continuously until it’s reduced in volume.
7. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little more chicken broth or reserved pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer for a minute or two longer to allow it to reduce slightly.
8. Customize with Add-ins: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite additions. Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Creamy Pesto Chicken & Spinach Pasta

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Absolutely! While penne, fusilli, rotini, and farfalle are commonly used and work well, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Longer pasta shapes like spaghetti or fettuccine also work beautifully with this creamy sauce.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Yes, easily! To make this vegetarian, simply omit the chicken. You can add other vegetables like roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant), sautéed mushrooms, or artichoke hearts to add substance to the dish.

Q3: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the skillet. Fresh spinach is preferred for its texture and flavor, but frozen spinach is a convenient alternative.

Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

A: To make this dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative like cashew cream or oat cream. For vegan pesto, ensure it’s made without Parmesan cheese or use a vegan pesto alternative. Omit the Parmesan cheese topping or use a vegan Parmesan cheese.

Q5: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: While Creamy Pesto Chicken & Spinach Pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and pasta separately and store them in the refrigerator. You can also make the pesto sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the chicken and pasta, and toss to combine. Note that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce if stored together, so you might need to add a little extra broth or pasta water when reheating.

Q6: How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?

A: Leftovers of Creamy Pesto Chicken & Spinach Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Q7: Can I freeze Creamy Pesto Chicken & Spinach Pasta?

A: Freezing creamy pasta dishes is generally not recommended as the sauce can sometimes separate and become grainy upon thawing. The pasta texture can also become softer. However, if you do choose to freeze it, ensure it’s cooled completely, store it in an airtight container, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and be aware that the texture might be slightly altered.

Q8: What if I don’t have pesto? Can I substitute it with something else?

A: Pesto is a key ingredient in this recipe, providing its signature flavor. If you don’t have pesto, it’s difficult to achieve the exact same taste. However, you could try making a similar creamy sauce with other herbs like basil and garlic, perhaps with a touch of lemon and Parmesan cheese. It won’t be pesto chicken pasta, but you can still create a delicious creamy herby chicken and spinach pasta dish. Making homemade pesto is also quite easy if you have basil, pine nuts (or walnuts/sunflower seeds), garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil on hand!

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