Description
The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Spinach is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, and penne pasta tossed in a rich, creamy basil pesto (natural) sauce enhanced with plant-based cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful pasta combines wholesome ingredients for a satisfying and nutritious meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, tender and juicy
Vegetables
- 3 cups fresh spinach, bright and earthy
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sauces and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (natural)
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Dairy Alternatives
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or chopped
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot and cooking the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed and gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in fresh spinach and cook briefly until just wilted, preserving its vibrant green color and nutrients.
- Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in basil pesto (natural), plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a small amount of natural gelling agent to bring the sauce together. Add reserved pasta water bit by bit to create a luscious, creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the pan with the sauce, tossing everything gently to combine and heat through. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then serve immediately for the freshest flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh pesto (natural): Homemade or good quality store-bought pesto will enhance flavor.
- Reserve pasta water: Adding starchy pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Don’t overcook spinach: Wilt it just until it softens to keep its bright color and tender bite.
- Sear chicken thoroughly: A golden crust locks in juiciness and adds a savory note.
- Adjust creaminess: Use the natural gelling agent carefully to perfect the sauce texture without overpowering the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pesto pasta, spinach pasta, plant-based cheese pesto, easy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, gluten-free pasta dish
