Step 1

In a Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season it with salt and pepper to taste.Cook, stirring often, until it becomes golden, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from pan and set aside.

Step 2

In the same pot, add the onion and cook, stirring, until it becomes soft and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the penne and the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook, stirring every 1 to 2 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has almost been completely absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the pesto sauce, cooked chicken, baby spinach, and peas. Cook, stirring constantly, until the spinach is wilted and the peas are just heated through, another 3 minutes.

Step 4

Serve immediately topped with the fresh basil or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, add another splash of chicken broth when reheating the pasta.