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HOME / One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Spinach
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One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Spinach

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Some nights call for a dinner that feels a little indulgent without asking much of you, and that's exactly what this one delivers. Everything cooks together in one pan, from the chicken to the pasta to that dreamy pesto sauce, so you get big flavor with barely any cleanup waiting for you afterward.
One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Spinach
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The Story Behind This Dish

A little note from the kitchen.

There's something so comforting about a bowl of pasta swimming in a rich, herby sauce, and this dish delivers that in every single bite. Tender chunks of chicken mingle with pasta in a sauce that's part cheesy, part garlicky, and full of that unmistakable basil pesto flavor that makes everything taste a little more special.

The texture here is what really wins people over. The pasta turns silky and tender as it simmers right in the broth, soaking up all that flavor instead of draining it away. Cream cheese and Parmesan melt together into a velvety sauce, while pops of sun dried tomatoes add little bursts of tangy sweetness, and wilted spinach brings just enough freshness to balance out the richness.

This is the kind of meal that earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. It comes together in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time with your family, and it's hearty enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your table without a lot of fuss.

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Spinach

COURSE: Main Course DIFFICULTY: Easy
Recipe Thumbnail
PREP TIME 10 mins
COOK TIME 20 mins
TOTAL TIME 30 mins
SERVINGS 1 people

Ingredients

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Directions

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Chef's Note

Cut the cream cheese into small chunks before adding it to the skillet so it melts smoothly into the sauce without leaving lumps.

If you like a little more heat, add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper, or leave it out entirely for a milder dish that's friendlier to young kids.

Keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers and stir every couple of minutes so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the skillet or cook unevenly.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and a splash of milk stirred in while reheating helps loosen the sauce back to its creamy texture.

A wide, deep skillet works best here since it gives the pasta enough room to simmer evenly in the broth without crowding.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 serving
Calories: 1560kcal
Protein: 52g
Carbs: 195g
Fat: 65g
Sugar: 26g
Fiber: 13g
Sodium: 1300mg
Cholesterol: 130mg
Potassium: 650mg

Popular Asked Questions

Q:

Can I use a different pasta shape instead of penne?

A:
Penne works especially well here because its shape holds onto the creamy pesto sauce, but another short pasta shape of similar size should cook similarly in this one-pot method. Just keep an eye on the simmer time, since cook times can vary slightly between shapes.
Q:

Why is my sauce not as creamy as expected?

A:
This usually happens if the cream cheese isn't fully melted before adding the Parmesan, so make sure to stir it over medium heat until it's completely smooth first. Cutting the cream cheese into smaller chunks beforehand also helps it melt faster and more evenly.
Q:

Can I leave out the sun dried tomatoes or spinach?

A:
Both are added after the pasta is cooked, so you have some flexibility with how much of each you use depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that leaving them out will change the flavor and appearance of the finished dish.
Q:

How should I reheat leftovers so the pasta doesn't dry out?

A:
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it heats through. Stir occasionally so the pasta reheats evenly without sticking to the pan.
Q:

What size skillet works best for this recipe?

A:
A deep skillet is important since the pasta needs to simmer in the broth and sauce without overflowing. A wide pan also helps the chicken brown evenly in the first step instead of steaming.

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