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Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta

April 2, 2025

Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta

How to Make Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta

Craving a comforting bowl of pasta? Try making this diabetes-friendly creamy basil chicken pasta to take it up a notch! The homemade sauce made of fresh herbs adds a burst of flavor that’ll make this a family favorite recipe.


10 min prep time


20 min cook time


4servings


4 oz chicken, ½ cup pasta, ½ cup sauce

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Step-By-Step Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add baby spinach to the pot and blanch for 1 minute. Use a slotted spoon to remove the spinach to a bowl of ice water. Add parsley and packed basil to the pot and blanch for 15 seconds. Remove and add to the bowl of ice water. Drain water and squeeze out as much liquid from the greens as possible.
  2. Add spinach, parsley, and basil to a food processor. Add half and half to the food processor, then purée. Set aside.
  3. Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic, and onion powder. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute. Add milk and whisk until smooth.
  4. Add cheese, Italian seasoning, salt (optional), and pepper. Stir until sauce is thickened.
    Add puréed greens and stir to combine.
  5. Add puréed greens and stir to combine.
  6. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add remaining olive oil. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. To serve, divide chicken and pasta between plates. Top with sauce, Parmesan, and fresh julienned basil.
Italian
Comfort Food
Main Dish
Dinner
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Nutrition facts

4 Servings



  • Serving Size

    4 oz chicken, ½ cup pasta, ½ cup sauce


  • Amount per serving



    Calories





    430

  • % Daily value*

  • Total Fat
    19g

    24%

    • Saturated Fat
      5.2g

      26%
    • Trans Fats
      0g

  • Cholesterol
    85mg

    28%

  • Sodium
    300mg

    13%

  • Total Carbohydrate
    37g

    13%

    • Dietary Fiber
      4g

      14%
    • Total Sugars
      11g
    • Added Sugars
      0g

      0%

  • Protein
    41g

  • Potassium
    890mg
    19%

Ingredients

baby spinach
5 oz

fresh basil leaves
1 cup

flat leaf parsley (packed)
1/2 cup

half-and-half
2 tbsp

olive oil (divided)
3 tbsp

garlic (minced)
1 tsp

onion powder
1/2 tsp

flour
2 tbsp

fat-free milk
3 cup

reduced-fat Italian cheese
1/2 cup

no-salt-added Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp

boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise into thin filets)
1 lbs

whole wheat penne pasta (cooked)
2 cup

Parmesan cheese (grated)
1/4 cup

fresh basil (julienned)
1/4 cup