Creamy Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta
This is Creamy Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta that feels like comfort food but actually has a ton of vegetables in it. This recipe is so easy and starts with golden seared chicken, broccoli, and spinach. Then, it’s all tossed together in a creamy pesto sauce that comes together in the same pan you cooked the chicken in. It’s rich and satisfying and somehow ready in 30 minutes. My family asks for this one constantly and I never say no because it’s that easy to pull off on a weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Thirty minutes and one skillet for the sauce and chicken. This is weeknight dinner territory without any weeknight compromises on flavor.
The pesto and tomato paste together in the cream sauce produce something that’s more complex and more interesting than either one would do alone. It’s the combination that makes this sauce taste specifically great
Broccoli and spinach are built right into the dish so you’re not making a separate side vegetable. It’s a complete meal in one pan.
– Lyuda
Ingredients Needed to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta
The Chicken
You can use either boneless ands skinless breast or thigh meat. Then, you’re going to rub it with salt, garlic powder, paprika and pepper and pan-sear to a golden color. Thigh meat retains more moisture so is my pick, but either is fine. Just slice or chop up before placing back into the sauce.
The Pasta and Sauce
Use any pasta shape that you want. Shorter cuts such as penne or rigatoni will hold the sauce better. This particular sauce starts with sautéing onion and garlic, adding tomato paste and pesto and bringing the combination to a simmer with cream and parmesan stirred in. Fresh broccoli and spinach are added to the mix last.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Step One: Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken and cook in olive oil over medium heat until it gets golden on all sides and is thoroughly cooked. For this step, be sure to take your time and make sure you get a nice golden color. Remove from pan and place it on a plate while preparing the sauce.
Step Two: Cook the Pasta
Cook your pasta in a large pot full of boiling and salted water while you prepare the sauce. Drain it and save one cup of pasta water.
Step Three: Prepare the Sauce
In the same pan, add the garlic and cook for about one minute. Put the tomato paste and pesto in the pan and stir to combine. Start by pouring the heavy cream in slowly and whisk. Let it simmer until thickened and then add seasonings and parmesan cheese.
Step Four: Combine Everything
Cut your chicken into slices and add them back into the skillet. Then, add the drained pasta, chopped spinach and the cooked broccoli. Mix all this well with the sauce. Gradually start adding your pasta water until you get the desired thickness of the sauce.
Storing and Reheating
Keeps in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens as it sits. Add a splash of cream or water when reheating and stir over medium-low heat until loosened. Microwave works on medium power in 60-second intervals — just stir between each one and add a little liquid if it’s too thick.
More Pasta Recipes to Check Out
- Creamy Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta
- Roasted Tomato Garlic and Basil Pasta
- One-Pan Creamy Cherry Tomato Pasta
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately in wide bowls with a generous pile of extra Parmesan on top. Crusty bread alongside for scooping up the sauce from the bottom of the bowl is always a good idea. For another creamy pasta night this Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Mushroom Orzo is the next one to try. It has a different protein, but the same satisfying creamy pasta energy.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Creamy Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta
More Pasta Recipes
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out – a star rating or a note in the comments helps others find the recipe and helps me know what’s working in your kitchen. Tag me @gracefilledkitchen in your photos on social media so I can see your creations.
Creamy Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta
Method
- Cook the chicken: add oil to a large skillet over medium heat and cook seasoned chicken until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
- Cook pasta: cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, start making your sauce. Reserve some pasta water to use for the sauce later.
- Sauté aromatics: To the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, add a bit more oil if you need to, and sauté the onions until soft and translucent. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then add the tomato paste and pesto.
- Make the sauce: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Don’t be afraid to deglaze the bottom of the pan. The bottom bits add extra flavor. Bring it to a simmer, then add seasonings and most of the cheese (leave some parmesan cheese to top the pasta with at the end).
- Assemble and serve: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta, spinach, and broccoli, and toss everything together in the sauce. Add some of the reserved pasta water to get the desired sauce consistency. Serve hot garnished with extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you find the sauce to be too thick, use some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- If you like your pasta dishes a bit spicy, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes either into the sauce or on top just before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out.
Leave a comment and star rating below!
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out.
Leave a comment and star rating below!