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Pesto Chicken Pasta: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes! ⏱️
  • Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream and Parmesan creates a luscious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
  • Nutritious: Spinach adds a nice boost of vitamins and minerals.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Great for kids and adults alike. 🎉
  • Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh chicken and spinach for the best taste and nutritional value.
  • High-Quality Pesto: Opt for a good quality pesto from your local market or make your own if you have the time.
  • Perfect Pasta: Cook your pasta al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when you mix it with the sauce.
  • Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning your chicken. Salt and pepper go a long way in enhancing the overall flavour.

This creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta dish pairs beautifully with a fresh, crisp salad on the side. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the pasta. You could also serve some garlic bread to mop up that delicious sauce. For drinks, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruity red wine like Pinot Noir would be perfect companions. 🍷🥗

More Recipes to Try

If you loved this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, be sure to check out these other quick and easy winter dinner ideas:

Serving and Sharing

When you’ve made this delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, don’t forget to take a picture and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. 📸 I love seeing your culinary creations and how you put your own spin on my recipes!

Final Thoughts

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy hearty, comforting meals, and this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is sure to become a favourite in your household. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a go-to for any night of the week. Enjoy this cozy dish, and don’t forget to share your food pics with me on Instagram! Happy cooking!
Quick Easy Winter Dinners Day 10 Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta 1
Steph de Sousa

Quick Easy Winter Dinners Day 10 Pesto Chicken Pasta

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A quick and hearty pasta dish with chicken, pesto, Parmesan, and spinach. Creamy, flavour-packed, and simple to make for weeknight dinners or cosy nights at home.
Print Recipe
prep time Prep Time 10 minutes
setting time Setting Time
 15 minutes
total time Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Recipes
Cuisine: Australian
Calories: 863
dish icon Ingredients Equipmentcook book Methodhealt Nutritionvideo icon Video

Ingredients
 

  • 500 g diced chicken
  • 1 sliced onion
  • 1 tbsp crushed garlic
  • 1 tbsp chicken stock powder
  • 185 g jar pesto
  • 300 ml cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 300 g spinach leaves
  • 500 g cooked pasta

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil.
  2. Cook in a hot pan until golden brown.
  3. Add sliced onion, crushed garlic, and pesto. Give it a good stir until the onion has softened.
  4. Pour in the cream and let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
  5. Add the spinach, grated Parmesan, and cooked pasta. Give it a final stir.

Nutrition

Calories: 863kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 45gFat: 53gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 1177mgPotassium: 1083mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 9221IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 336mgIron: 5mg

Video

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe, or should I make my own?
Absolutely, you can use store-bought pesto for convenience, and it works perfectly in this recipe! Just be sure to choose a high-quality brand that uses fresh ingredients for the best flavour. If you have a bit more time, homemade pesto is always a delicious option and can add a personal touch to your dish. Simply blend fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil until smooth for a vibrant homemade pesto.
Yes, you can definitely make this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta dairy-free and gluten-free with a few simple swaps! For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream (like coconut cream or almond cooking cream) and a dairy-free Parmesan cheese. To make it gluten-free, just substitute the pasta with your favourite gluten-free pasta option. There are many great alternatives on the market these days, so you won’t have to compromise on taste or texture.
Store any leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This will help bring back the creamy consistency without drying out the pasta. Just be sure to heat it until the chicken is piping hot throughout!
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