Description
This One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is a quick and delicious dinner option that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, al dente rigatoni, and a rich, creamy pesto sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Olive oil, for cooking
Sauce
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes depending on package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook chicken and broccoli: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken on all sides until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and cook until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Add the pesto, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and cook until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet with the sauce, chicken, and broccoli. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy pesto chicken and broccoli pasta immediately, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Add garlic while cooking the chicken for extra flavor.
- You can swap rigatoni with penne or fusilli pasta if preferred.
- If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add some crushed chili.
- Use fresh homemade pesto for best flavor or a good-quality store-bought pesto.
