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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta – Easy Restaurant-Style Garlic Pesto Pasta Recipe

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  • Author: amanda
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian American

Description

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish made with tender chicken, a velvety pesto cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach tossed with pasta.


Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup pesto
  • 1/2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)


Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water and drain.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook in olive oil and butter until golden and fully cooked. Slice and set aside.
  3. Sprinkle flour into the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add chicken broth, cream, pesto, lemon juice, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in spinach until wilted.
  6. Add pasta and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water if needed.
  7. Top with sliced chicken and Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Add extra pesto for a stronger herb flavor.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if needed.