When it comes to preparing a quick, satisfying, and nutritious meal, the combination of pasta, chicken, and vegetables is always a winner. But when you add a vibrant homemade pesto sauce to the mix, you create a dish that is not only delicious but also packed with flavor and texture. Broccoli Chicken Pesto Pasta is the perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and al dente pasta, all coated in a rich, aromatic pesto sauce made with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or as an impressive meal for guests. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors, and sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.
PrintBroccoli Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Perfect Meal for Any Occasion
🌿🍗 Broccoli Chicken Pesto Pasta is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal! 🍝✨ The creamy pesto sauce brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta in the most delightful way. A quick, delicious, and comforting dish that works for any occasion—dinner has never tasted this good! 😋🍽️
#PestoPasta #ChickenLovers #BroccoliDelight #FlavorPacked #PastaGoals #QuickAndDelicious #HealthyComfortFood #PastaRecipe #VibrantFlavors #MealPerfection 🌿🍝
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- For the Pesto Sauce
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves – The heart of the pesto sauce. Fresh basil gives the pesto its signature bright, aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, umami-rich depth to the pesto. It also helps thicken the sauce slightly.
- 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted – Pine nuts add a mild, slightly sweet nuttiness to the pesto and contribute to its creamy texture when blended with the olive oil.
- 2 cloves garlic – Garlic infuses the pesto with a bold, savory flavor. It’s a key ingredient in many pesto recipes, adding depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil – Olive oil helps emulsify the pesto, giving it a smooth and velvety texture. The quality of the olive oil can make a big difference in the flavor, so choose a good, flavorful oil.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Simple seasonings to enhance the flavor of the pesto.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional) – A touch of lemon juice brightens the flavor of the pesto and helps preserve its green color. It’s optional, but it’s a nice touch if you want to keep the pesto looking vibrant.
For the Broccoli Chicken Pasta
- 1 lb pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) – Pasta serves as the base for the dish, providing a hearty texture to complement the other ingredients. Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well, but feel free to use your favorite type of pasta.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – Chicken breasts add lean protein to the dish. The tender, juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the pesto sauce, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
- 2 cups broccoli florets – Broccoli adds a nutritious, crunchy element to the dish. The slight bitterness of broccoli complements the rich, garlicky pesto sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used to cook the chicken, giving it a golden brown crust and helping it stay juicy and tender.
- Salt and pepper to taste – To season the chicken and pasta, bringing out their natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – A simple seasoning that enhances the savory notes of the chicken and ties everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved) – The starchy pasta water is key to adjusting the consistency of the pesto sauce. It helps the sauce adhere to the pasta and creates a silky texture.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pesto Sauce
Start by making the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and well combined. The food processor will do the heavy lifting, so this step is quick and easy.
With the food processor running, gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. This will emulsify the ingredients, turning them into a smooth and creamy sauce. Once everything is combined, season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using lemon juice, add it at this stage to brighten the flavors and keep the pesto looking fresh. Set the pesto aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta, so don’t skip this step. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once the pasta is done, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Set the cooked pasta aside, but keep the pasta water on hand for later.
3. Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breast pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple seasoning helps bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through. You want the chicken to be tender and juicy on the inside, with a nice caramelized exterior. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken
Now that the chicken and pasta are ready, it’s time to bring everything together. In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the cooked pasta. Pour the pesto sauce over the pasta and chicken, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. If the pesto seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water at a time until you achieve your desired sauce consistency. The pasta water will help the pesto cling to the pasta and create a velvety sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish
Once everything is well combined, transfer the Broccoli Chicken Pesto Pasta to serving plates. For an extra touch, garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. The Parmesan adds a salty, creamy finish, while the fresh basil enhances the dish’s fragrance and appearance.
Serve the dish immediately while it’s hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Vegetables: If you’re not a fan of broccoli or want to switch things up, try adding other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
- Protein: You can swap the chicken for other proteins like shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version of the dish.
- Pasta: While penne, fusilli, and spaghetti work well, feel free to use any pasta you like. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options are also great for those with dietary restrictions.
- Nuts: If you don’t have pine nuts, try substituting with walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Each nut will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the pesto.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of this recipe, offering a step-by-step guide to help you make the perfect Broccoli Chicken Pesto Pasta every time. We’ll also provide tips on ingredient substitutions, variations, and serving suggestions so you can customize the dish to your taste and preferences.
The Appeal of Broccoli Chicken Pesto Pasta
The best recipes are those that make you feel like you’re indulging in something special, without spending hours in the kitchen. Broccoli Chicken Pesto Pasta is just that—it brings together fresh, wholesome ingredients with the irresistible flavors of pesto, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and light. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy dinner at home or a dish that will impress friends and family, this recipe fits the bill.
The pesto sauce itself is the star of this dish. Made from fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and extra virgin olive oil, pesto brings a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that is both creamy and vibrant. The addition of lemon juice helps preserve the color of the basil, keeping the sauce bright green and appealing. The richness of the pesto sauce complements the other ingredients perfectly, from the juicy chicken to the tender pasta and crisp-tender broccoli.
Another reason this recipe is so appealing is its versatility. You can customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting the chicken for a different protein, like shrimp or tofu. You can even switch up the type of pasta you use, making it easy to adapt to your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Breaking Down the Ingredients
To make Broccoli Chicken Pesto Pasta, you need a few simple ingredients, all of which contribute to the dish’s vibrant flavor and satisfying texture.
For the Pesto Sauce
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves – The heart of the pesto sauce. Fresh basil gives the pesto its signature bright, aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, umami-rich depth to the pesto. It also helps thicken the sauce slightly.
- 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted – Pine nuts add a mild, slightly sweet nuttiness to the pesto and contribute to its creamy texture when blended with the olive oil.
- 2 cloves garlic – Garlic infuses the pesto with a bold, savory flavor. It’s a key ingredient in many pesto recipes, adding depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil – Olive oil helps emulsify the pesto, giving it a smooth and velvety texture. The quality of the olive oil can make a big difference in the flavor, so choose a good, flavorful oil.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Simple seasonings to enhance the flavor of the pesto.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional) – A touch of lemon juice brightens the flavor of the pesto and helps preserve its green color. It’s optional, but it’s a nice touch if you want to keep the pesto looking vibrant.
For the Broccoli Chicken Pasta
- 1 lb pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) – Pasta serves as the base for the dish, providing a hearty texture to complement the other ingredients. Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well, but feel free to use your favorite type of pasta.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – Chicken breasts add lean protein to the dish. The tender, juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the pesto sauce, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
- 2 cups broccoli florets – Broccoli adds a nutritious, crunchy element to the dish. The slight bitterness of broccoli complements the rich, garlicky pesto sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used to cook the chicken, giving it a golden brown crust and helping it stay juicy and tender.
- Salt and pepper to taste – To season the chicken and pasta, bringing out their natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – A simple seasoning that enhances the savory notes of the chicken and ties everything together.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved) – The starchy pasta water is key to adjusting the consistency of the pesto sauce. It helps the sauce adhere to the pasta and creates a silky texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Broccoli Chicken Pesto Pasta is simple, but each step is important for ensuring that all the components come together perfectly. Let’s walk through the process.
1. Prepare the Pesto Sauce
Start by making the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and well combined. The food processor will do the heavy lifting, so this step is quick and easy.
With the food processor running, gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. This will emulsify the ingredients, turning them into a smooth and creamy sauce. Once everything is combined, season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using lemon juice, add it at this stage to brighten the flavors and keep the pesto looking fresh. Set the pesto aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta, so don’t skip this step. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once the pasta is done, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Set the cooked pasta aside, but keep the pasta water on hand for later.
3. Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breast pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple seasoning helps bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through. You want the chicken to be tender and juicy on the inside, with a nice caramelized exterior. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken
Now that the chicken and pasta are ready, it’s time to bring everything together. In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the cooked pasta. Pour the pesto sauce over the pasta and chicken, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. If the pesto seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water at a time until you achieve your desired sauce consistency. The pasta water will help the pesto cling to the pasta and create a velvety sauce.
5. Serve and Garnish
Once everything is well combined, transfer the Broccoli Chicken Pesto Pasta to serving plates. For an extra touch, garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. The Parmesan adds a salty, creamy finish, while the fresh basil enhances the dish’s fragrance and appearance.
Serve the dish immediately while it’s hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Flavors, Textures, and Aromas
As you take your first bite of Broccoli Chicken Pesto Pasta, you’ll be greeted with an explosion of vibrant, fresh flavors. The pesto sauce, with its basil-forward flavor and subtle nuttiness from the pine nuts, envelops the pasta, chicken, and broccoli, creating a harmonious blend. The Parmesan adds a savory richness, while the garlic and lemon juice brighten the dish and keep the flavors fresh and balanced.
The pasta provides a satisfying, chewy texture, while the broccoli adds a bit of crunch and a slight bitterness that complements the richness of the pesto. The chicken is tender and juicy, adding protein to the dish while soaking up the flavors of the pesto sauce.
The aromas as this dish cooks are just as enticing. The garlic and basil in the pesto fill the kitchen with an irresistible fragrance, while the sizzling chicken creates a savory scent that has you eagerly anticipating the meal.
Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
While Broccoli Chicken Pesto Pasta is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Vegetables: If you’re not a fan of broccoli or want to switch things up, try adding other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
- Protein: You can swap the chicken for other proteins like shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version of the dish.
- Pasta: While penne, fusilli, and spaghetti work well, feel free to use any pasta you like. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options are also great for those with dietary restrictions.
- Nuts: If you don’t have pine nuts, try substituting with walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Each nut will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the pesto.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast.
Serving Suggestions
Broccoli Chicken Pesto Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of sides to round out the meal:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the pesto.
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are perfect for soaking up any leftover pesto sauce.
- A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad would add a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Conclusion
Broccoli Chicken Pesto Pasta is a delicious, satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant pesto sauce, tender chicken, al dente pasta, and crisp broccoli, this meal is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe is a winner. Try it today and enjoy a flavorful meal that’s as easy as it is delicious!