Pesto Chicken Florentine with Spinach and Penne

Recipe Collection: Dinner

Pesto Chicken Florentine with Spinach and Penne brings the rich flavors of Italian cuisine to your table. Featuring tender chicken strips and fresh spinach enveloped in a luscious Alfredo sauce, this dish is served over perfectly cooked penne pasta and topped with Romano cheese. It's a satisfying dinner option ideal for non-vegetarians. With its creamy texture and vibrant taste, this dish is versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Overview

Indulge in a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken strips with fresh spinach, all enveloped in a creamy pesto Alfredo sauce. This delightful meal is served over perfectly cooked penne pasta and topped with a sprinkle of Romano cheese, making it a comforting and satisfying dinner option.

Diet Type

Not Vegetarian

Allergies

Dairy, Gluten

Cuisine

Italian

Serving Size: 4

Cooking Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons (tbsp) olive oil
• 2 Whole garlic cloves, minced
• 4 Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, sliced
• 2 Cups fresh spinach leaves, torn
• 1 4.5 Ounces (oz) package dry Alfredo sauce mix
• 2 Tablespoons (tbsp) pesto
• 1 8 Ounces (oz) package dry penne pasta
• 1 Tablespoon (tbsp) Romano cheese, grated

Steps

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the sliced chicken strips to the skillet and cook for 7 to 8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
3. Add the torn fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and sauté with the chicken for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the Alfredo sauce according to the package directions. Once prepared, stir in the pesto and set aside.
5. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
6. Combine the chicken and spinach mixture with the cooked pasta in a large serving bowl.
7. Pour the pesto Alfredo sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
8. Top with grated Romano cheese and serve immediately for a delicious and creamy Italian-inspired meal.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with a side of crunchy bread and a fresh romaine salad for a complete meal experience!