If you’re searching for a dish that effortlessly combines comfort with vibrant, fresh flavors, this One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all enveloped in a luscious, creamy pesto sauce—all made in one pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent while still satisfying your craving for something wholesome and home-cooked, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. This recipe has that beautiful balance of easy prep and gourmet taste that you just can’t beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy chicken to the vibrant broccoli and creamy pesto sauce, every element contributes to the magic of this one-pan wonder.
- Chicken breast (1 pound): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy bites.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): The perfect base to sauté the chicken and garlic, adding richness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings a fragrant punch that awakens your taste buds.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups): Adds freshness, crunch, and vibrant green color to the dish.
- Penne or rotini pasta (12 ounces uncooked): Holds sauce beautifully with its tube or spiral shape.
- Chicken broth (3 ½ cups): Essential for cooking the pasta directly in the pan, infusing it with savory flavor.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce its signature creamy, dreamy texture.
- Basil pesto (½ cup): The herby heart of the dish, elevating every bite with fresh, aromatic notes.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated): Adds a salty, nutty depth and creamy richness when melted in.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch of heat for those who like a little kick.
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan (optional garnish): Adds fresh appeal and extra flavor at serving.
How to Make One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are nearly cooked through. This step locks in juicy flavor and sets the stage for the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Vegetables
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute to release its aromatic goodness—be careful not to burn it! Then, add the broccoli florets along with your uncooked pasta right into the pan. This is where your one-pan magic starts coming together.
Step 3: Pour in Liquids and Season
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing everything to a lovely simmer. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat to brighten things up. Stir to combine before covering the pan.
Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Pasta
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pan. Let the pasta cook for 12 to 15 minutes while you stir occasionally. This method cooks the pasta directly in the sauce, allowing it to soak up all those incredible flavors, while the broccoli steams to the perfect tenderness.
Step 5: Finish with Pesto and Parmesan
Once the pasta is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed, stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. This final step transforms the sauce into a luxuriously creamy coating that clings to every piece of chicken and pasta. If your sauce feels too thick, simply add a splash more chicken broth or cream until you reach the perfect consistency.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Remove the pan from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This lets the flavors marry together beautifully and gives the sauce a chance to thicken just a bit more for that irresistibly comforting finish.
How to Serve One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and inviting touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or an extra handful of grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving. These garnishes add both color and an extra hit of herbal brightness or salty richness that makes every bite pop.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Both options bring refreshing contrast and satisfy cravings for texture variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, serve this pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-worthy look. Alternatively, pack it in meal prep containers for an easy, stunning lunch that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. This dish holds up well for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for leftovers that taste just as good the next day.
Freezing
While the creamy texture may change slightly upon freezing, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Use freezer-safe containers and leave a little room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftover One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir carefully to prevent the pasta from drying out and to revive that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken is a great shortcut and can shorten your prep time significantly. Just add it toward the end of cooking to warm through without overcooking.
Is it possible to substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to swap broccoli for spinach, asparagus, or even zucchini. Just adjust cooking times slightly to ensure your veggies remain tender-crisp and vibrant.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free pesto for a delicious dairy-free version that keeps all the creaminess and flavor.
What type of pasta works best for this one-pan dish?
Penne or rotini are ideal because their shapes help trap the creamy sauce, but feel free to experiment with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time for a busy weeknight?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and chop the broccoli ahead of time. Cooking and assembling everything only takes about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a dish that combines simplicity with bold, comforting flavors—and this One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe does just that. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for any night when you want a warm, inviting meal with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and add it to your regular dinner rotation—your taste buds will thank you!
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One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta recipe is a delicious and easy Italian-American main course combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy pesto sauce all cooked together in a single pan. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this dish features a rich, comforting sauce with Parmesan cheese and a hint of garlic, making it both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry Items and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add broccoli and pasta: Stir in the broccoli florets and uncooked pasta, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add liquids and season: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, stirring to distribute the seasoning.
- Simmer until tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
- Finish with pesto and cheese: Stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and the chicken is fully cooked. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of extra broth or cream to reach desired consistency.
- Rest and serve: Remove the pan from heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken to speed up preparation time.
- Swap broccoli for spinach or asparagus if you prefer different vegetables.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and use dairy-free pesto.
