Cali Chicken and Pasta

Elevate your dinner game with this irresistible Cali Chicken and Pasta, a one-pan wonder that combines tender, seasoned chicken and al dente penne pasta with a creamy, pesto-infused sauce. Bursting with fresh cherry tomatoes, wilted spinach, and a hint of garlic, this crowd-pleaser strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and wholesome flavors. Finished with grated Parmesan and optional red pepper flakes for a kick, this comforting dish is ready in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend treat. Perfectly creamy, cheesy, and packed with vibrant ingredients, this recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers seeking a delicious twist on classic pasta fare.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with half the salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then slice it into thin strips.

Step 4

In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 5

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 6

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until wilted.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and basil pesto. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 8

Season the sauce with the remaining salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Step 9

Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce.

Step 10

Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1326.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3213.2

Total Fat 152.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 66.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 583.0mg	0%
Sodium 3629.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 266.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.0g	0%
Total Sugars 7.3g
Protein 174.0g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 686.4mg	0%
Iron 19.0mg	0%
Potassium 2299.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.8%

Protein: 22.2%

Carbs: 34.0%