One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that punches above its weight in flavor and coziness, look no further than One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta. It’s an ultra-creamy, one-dish wonder that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta all tangled up in a dreamy pesto sauce. Easy, satisfying, and bursting with bold green goodness—what’s not to love?

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its short, powerhouse ingredient list—each one plays a key role in creating that creamy, basily perfection. There’s nothing fussy here; just a handful of familiar items working together in delicious harmony!

• Rigatoni pasta (1 pound): The hearty tubes are perfect for holding rich pesto cream in every bite. Penne or fusilli can work too if you’re in a pinch!
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Cut into bite-sized cubes, these cook up juicy and tender, soaking up all those beautiful flavors.
• Broccoli (1 head): Fresh florets add color, nutrition, and a welcome pop of veggie crunch amidst the creamy sauce.
• Pesto (1/2 cup): Use your favorite store-bought jar or make your own—either way, the basil and garlic notes sing in this dish.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): This is what turns the sauce into a luscious, enveloping blanket for your pasta.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): For a salty, nutty edge that sharpens all the other flavors.
• Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a pinch adds a touch of heat and excitement! Adjust to your spice preference.
• Salt and pepper: As ever, the simplest way to balance and highlight the flavors.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps get those golden edges on the chicken and broccoli.

Variations

One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to swap, skip, or add ingredients based on what’s in your fridge, your diet, or just your mood. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on things!

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double up on broccoli or add sautéed mushrooms for a meatless main that still satisfies.
• Swap the protein: Try shrimp or Italian sausage (pre-cooked) instead of chicken – both are fantastic flavor match-ups for that creamy pesto sauce.
• Use a different green: Broccoli not your thing? Asparagus, spinach, or even zucchini are delicious and cook quickly.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, especially if you prefer a lighter sauce that remains velvety.

How to Make One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your rigatoni until it’s just al dente—tender but still with a little bite. This way, the pasta won’t get mushy later when mixed with the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain and set aside (a quick drizzle of olive oil can help keep those tubes from sticking together).

Step 2: Sauté Chicken and Broccoli

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a generous swirl of olive oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until it’s golden on all sides and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes depending on cube size). Remove the chicken to a plate, then toss your broccoli florets into the same skillet—let them cook until they’re bright green and just tender-crisp, soaking up every bit of savory flavor left behind.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Pour in the pesto, heavy cream, and sprinkle over the Parmesan (plus red pepper flakes if you love a little heat). Give everything a good stir—watch as the sauce quickly turns silky and coats every piece in herby richness. Gently simmer on low for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add your drained pasta straight into the skillet, tossing everything together so every bit is gloriously smothered in that dreamy, creamy pesto sauce. Finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and serve your One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta immediately for maximum warmth and comfort.

How to Serve One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

Garnishes

I love to finish this dish with a snowy shower of extra Parmesan and, if you have it, a sprinkle of fresh basil or even pine nuts for a nod to classic pesto. A drizzle of good olive oil and just a touch more red pepper flakes will make every serving look (and taste!) irresistible.

Side Dishes

Honestly, One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but I can never resist a tangle of garlicky sautéed greens, a crisp side salad, or a warm, crusty baguette to mop up every drop of that sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner, serve the pasta straight from the skillet in the center of the table and let everyone scoop their own. For guests, try piling the pasta high in shallow bowls and topping with a swirl of extra pesto and a sprig of basil—so pretty and inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers—One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but it only gets more flavorful!

Freezing

Thanks to the creamy sauce, this dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Just know that the sauce texture may be a bit less silky after thawing, but it’ll still taste delicious.

Reheating

To bring your One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta back to life, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a soul-satisfying meal that’s big on flavor and light on hassle, you simply have to put this One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta on your table. It’s cozy, vibrant, and just begging for a spot in your weekly rotation. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love, one delicious bite at a time!

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