Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Penne, fettuccine, rotini, and rigatoni all hold creamy pesto sauce well.

Yes. Store-bought pesto is convenient and works well.

Use moderate heat and add pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.

Yes. Spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, peas, or zucchini all work.

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be thinner.

Yes. A good jarred pesto keeps the recipe fast.

Yes. Fold spinach in near the end until just wilted.

Creamy chicken pesto pasta with tender chicken, cooked pasta, pesto, heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan.

Scale

2 cups cooked pasta, such as penne or fettuccine

1 pound chicken breast, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 cup pesto

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups fresh spinach

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Keep the heat moderate after adding pesto and cream so the sauce stays smooth.