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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach

  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach is a vibrant and wholesome dish combining tender chicken breast, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy pesto sauce made with plant-based cheese and natural ingredients. This simple yet gourmet recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a nutritious family meal or an impressive dinner with guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Vegetables

  • 2 chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper
  • 4 cups fresh spinach

Pasta and Sauce

  • 8 ounces pasta of your choice
  • 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or cubed
  • 1/2 cup pesto sauce (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Others

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized strips.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Sauté the Spinach and Garlic: In the same skillet used for chicken, add a bit more olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  4. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add the natural gelling agent, plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, and pesto sauce (natural) to the skillet. Stir gently while adding a splash of reserved pasta water until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat thoroughly with the creamy pesto spinach sauce. Heat through for 2 additional minutes to meld the flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil to enhance the aroma of the pesto.
  • Do not overcook the spinach to preserve its vibrant color and texture.
  • Reserve pasta water as it helps to thin and improve sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Slice chicken after resting to keep it juicy.
  • Keep sauce on low heat to maintain creamy texture and avoid curdling.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: chicken pesto pasta, creamy pasta, spinach pasta, plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, natural pesto, healthy dinner, creamy pesto sauce, gluten free pasta

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