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Chicken Pesto Pasta

Tender chicken, penne pasta, fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and basil pesto come together in this easy Chicken Pesto Pasta. A little lemon and Parmesan finish it off for a simple, flavorful dinner!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
Keyword: Chicken Pesto Pasta
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 673kcal
Author: Amanda Rettke--iamhomesteader.com

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 ½ cups (224 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups (60 g) baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
  • Add the cooked pasta, pesto, Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss gently until the pesto coats the pasta and the spinach begins to wilt.
  • Add more reserved pasta water, a little at a time, tossing after each addition, until the sauce is smooth and silky and coats the pasta. You may not need all of the pasta water.
  • Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
  • Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 673kcal