Spinach Pesto Pizza

Why is it that everyone seems to love pizza, but nobody ever seems to love the same type of pizza? At my house, my husband wants a meat lover’s pizza, my son wants just cheese and my daughter isn’t picky about pizza toppings as long as she has a bottle of honey to drizzle over the crust (don’t knock it till you try it). Me? I like a non-traditional pizza, like this spinach pesto pizza.

Don’t get me wrong—I’ll eat a classic pie with pepperoni, mushrooms and red sauce if that’s my only option. However, if we’re trying a new pizza joint that has a specialty pizza on the menu with adventurous toppings, sauces or cheeses, I will be the first to order it, even if I have nobody to share it with.

That’s why this beauty is probably my favorite recipe with creative toppings to make at home. The herbaceous pesto gets a nutritional boost thanks to the spinach, grilled chicken and bacon offer plenty of protein, and a trio of mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan makes every slice perfectly gooey. Cue that cheese-pull footage, because this spinach and pesto pizza is epically cheesy.

Spinach Pesto Pizza Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Fresh baby spinach
• Pesto
• Grilled chicken breast strips
• Prebaked pizza crust
• Mozzarella cheese
• Bacon
• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Wilt the spinach

Preheat the oven to 450°F. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the spinach and cook,  stirring occasionally, just until wilted.

Step 2: Add the pesto to the spinach and chicken

Remove the spinach from the heat and stir in 1/4 cup of pesto. In a small bowl, toss the chicken with the remaining pesto.

Step 3: Assemble the pizza

Place the prebaked pizza crust on an ungreased baking sheet and spread the crust with the spinach mixture. Top with the chicken, mozzarella cheese, and cooked and crumbled bacon, then drop ricotta cheese by rounded teaspoonfuls over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake the pizza

Bake the spinach and pesto pizza for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

How to Store Spinach Pesto Pizza

Leftover pesto and spinach pizza will stay fresh in the refrigerator for three to four days. Store slices in an airtight food storage container, or wrap them tightly in storage wrap or aluminum foil. To reheat your pizza so it’s as good as day one, we recommend doing so in a 350° oven on a sheet pan until heated through, or warm it on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat. You may also use an air fryer or microwave.

Spinach Pesto Pizza Tips

Can I use homemade pesto for spinach pesto pizza?

Of course! While we love the convenience of store-bought, nothing beats a homemade pesto. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions in your household, try a nut-free pesto or a dairy-free vegan pesto.

Can I cook my own chicken for spinach pesto pizza?

Yes! Feel free to make your own grilled chicken breasts for this spinach pesto pizza recipe if you have them on hand to cook. This could be a great recipe for leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken too.

Can I make my own pizza crust?

Absolutely! If you have a great pizza dough recipe, you can use that for this spinach pesto pizza recipe. Prepare the crust as directed by the recipe, and then assemble and bake the pizza. If you’re looking for another alternative to store-bought premade pizza crust, try using naan or flatbread from the bakery section of your supermarket.