Chicken and Broccoli Pesto Pasta Toss
Experience the perfect harmony of flavors with this Chicken and Broccoli Pesto Pasta Toss, a quick and satisfying dish that's brimming with vibrant ingredients. Tender pasta is tossed with juicy, golden-browned chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a luscious basil pesto sauce that ties everything together. A touch of garlic adds warmth, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese creates the ultimate finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Customize it with your favorite pasta shape and a pinch of crushed red pepper for a hint of heat. Wholesome, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy, this one-pan meal is a surefire crowd-pleaser for the whole family!
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Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups Broccoli florets
- 12 ounces Pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Basil pesto sauce
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them for 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help steam the broccoli.
Step 5
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Stir to combine.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the basil pesto sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
Step 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 8
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving and enjoy your Chicken and Broccoli Pesto Pasta Toss!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1142.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1981.5 |
| Total Fat 95.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 20.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 335.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3734.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 128.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 8.9g | |
| Protein 153.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 3.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 619.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 10.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1280.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories