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chicken pesto pasta

smalltownwoman avatar
Recipe by
Beth Pierce
@smalltownwoman
Ofallon, MO

Quick and easy Chicken Pesto Pasta combines golden brown chicken pieces with fresh sauteed mushrooms and spinach, tomatoes, and penne pasta all tossed in creamy pesto sauce. With so much flavor and ease, it is one of our favorite pasta recipes.

yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For chicken pesto pasta

  • 2 Tbsp
    extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp
    butter
  • 1 ¼ lb
    boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
  • 12 oz
    penne pasta
  • 8 oz
    white button mushrooms
  • 8 oz
    chopped baby spinach
  • 2/3 c
    heavy cream
  • ½ c
    cup basil pesto
  • 1 c
    sliced tomatoes
  • kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
  • fresh basil, chopped

How To Make chicken pesto pasta

  • 1
    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on both sides until cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep it warm.
  • 2
    Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the penne pasta and cook al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 3/4 cup of pasta water and then drain well in a colander.
  • 3
    Heat the remaining olive oil and butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms start to brown. Add the spinach and cook until it is wilted while stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream stirring to combine. Reduce for just 1-2 minutes then add the pesto sauce and stir to combine.
  • 4
    Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to enhance flavor and help the sauce and pasta stick together. Top with chopped tomatoes and fresh basil ribbons. For best results serve promptly. More pasta water can be added if reheating.
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