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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

  • Author: Samuel
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach is a comforting and vibrant dish combining tender chicken, fresh basil pesto, and bright spinach in a luscious plant-based cheese sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe offers rich texture and fresh flavors in a nourishing pasta meal.

Ingredients

Protein and Pasta

  • Chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces – 500g
  • Pasta (fusilli, penne, or linguine) – 400g

Greens and Herbs

  • Fresh spinach – 150g
  • Basil pesto (natural) – 100g

Sauce Components

  • Plant-based cheese – 150g
  • Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
  • Shallots, finely diced – 1 medium
  • Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) – 1 tablespoon
  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Vegetable broth – 1 cup (240ml)
  • Natural gelling agent – 1/4 teaspoon
  • Salt – to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper – to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Lightly season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8 to 12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and finely diced shallots over medium heat until fragrant and translucent, approximately 2 minutes, to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Add vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) to the skillet. Stir in the plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent while continuously stirring to thicken the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency without heaviness.
  5. Combine Pesto and Spinach: Lower the heat and stir in the fresh basil pesto (natural) and fresh spinach. Cook gently until the spinach wilts slightly, retaining its vibrant color and nutrients, blending all flavors harmoniously.
  6. Mix Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy pesto sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Use fresh pesto for the best flavor impact, whether homemade or store-bought.
  • Do not overcook the spinach to preserve its texture and nutrients.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help bind the sauce to the pasta perfectly.
  • Slice chicken pieces evenly to ensure quick and uniform cooking.
  • Adjust the sauce creaminess by adding small amounts of plant-based cream or broth as needed.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: chicken pesto pasta, creamy pasta, spinach pasta, plant-based cheese sauce, easy dinner recipe, healthy pasta, vegetarian variation

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