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Pesto Chicken Bow Tie Pasta

Course Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine American, Italian Inspired, Southern
Keyword bow-tie-pasta-recipes, pesto-chicken-bow-tie-pasta-with-chicken-and-sundried-tomatoes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 568kcal
Author Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

  • 1 16 oz box bow tie pasta
  • 1 cup low fat half and half
  • 2 Tbsp light chive and onion cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 cups warm rotisserie chicken roughly chopped
  • 4 oz prepared basil pesto
  • 2/3 cup sundried tomatoes rinsed
  • 2 cups fresh organic baby spinach
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • shaved Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Cook the bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted water per the instructions on the box, until al dente.
  • Meanwhile in a medium microwave safe bowl heat the half and half for 1 minute to warm slightly. Add the cream cheese stirring to soften.
  • Add 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese to the warm half and half and season with salt and black pepper to taste. [The cream cheese will melt completely when it's combined with the hot pasta.] Set aside.
  • Drain the pasta then pour back into the pot and return to the stove top.
  • Over low heat add the cream sauce, chopped chicken, pesto, and sundried tomatoes to the hot pasta. Stir continually until the cream cheese has completely melted and the ingredients are heated through and evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Just before serving add the fresh spinach and lemon zest and stir until the spinach begins to wilt.
  • Serve immediately garnished with Parmesan cheese shavings, if desired.

Notes

Sundried tomatoes are usually packed in oil. By soaking the tomatoes, it will serve not only to soften them but, it will also remove most of the oil. If large roughly chop to bite-size.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 568kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 437mg | Potassium: 677mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1579IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 164mg | Iron: 2mg