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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

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A comforting dish combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy pesto sauce with fresh spinach.

Ingredients

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  • 8 ounces short pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 breasts chicken, sliced lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup pesto
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the short pasta of your choice, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté the chicken. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Create the base sauce. In the same skillet, melt the butter (if using). Add the garlic powder and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for another minute to create a roux.
  4. Stir in the broth and cream. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for a few moments until thickened slightly, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir until combined and smooth.
  5. Add pesto and spinach. Once the sauce is creamy, add the pesto and stir well. Toss in the fresh baby spinach and let it wilt into the sauce for about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Combine everything together. Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Gently toss to ensure the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
  7. Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes and lemon juice if using, giving the entire dish a nice stir. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  8. Serve warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To revive, add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.

Nutrition

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

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