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
Scale
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.
