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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

  • Author: Jonathan
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and luscious plant-based cheese in a flavorful basil pesto sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of creaminess and herbal freshness, making it a comforting and vibrant meal ideal for any season or occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables & Greens

  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauces & Condiments

  • 1/3 cup basil pesto (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Dairy Alternatives

  • 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or diced
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (plant-based)

Other Ingredients

  • 8 ounces pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, linguine recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the boneless chicken breasts into even bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet, then add the chicken and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes, then remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and toss in minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds, then add fresh spinach. Cook gently until wilted, stirring occasionally to combine all the flavors.
  3. Cook the Pasta: While the spinach cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining.
  4. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream (plant-based) along with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to the skillet with spinach and garlic. Stir to combine, then add plant-based cheese and basil pesto (natural). Mix gently until the sauce is creamy and smooth, adding reserved pasta water slowly if needed for consistency.
  5. Bring It All Together: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss everything with the drained pasta. Mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly in the rich pesto sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs to elevate flavor.
  • Do not overcook chicken; keep it juicy.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce perfectly.
  • Simmer cream at low heat to keep sauce silky.
  • Wilt spinach gently to retain vibrant color and texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, pesto pasta with spinach, plant-based cheese pasta, easy chicken dinner, family-friendly pasta dish

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