Looking for a truly cozy yet surprisingly easy dinner that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar? One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is about to become your weeknight hero! Imagine tender bites of chicken, emerald-green broccoli, and hearty pasta all enfolded in a luscious, garlicky basil pesto cream sauce, finished with a snowfall of Parmesan. The best part? Only one pan to wash! This meal is bursting with flavor, color, and comfort, all done in just about 30 minutes—it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share with friends, brag about, and make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta lies in a handful of carefully chosen ingredients. Each one has a purposeful role, bringing flavor, creaminess, or vibrant greens to your table. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Chicken breast: Lean, quick-cooking protein that soaks up all the flavors and stays tender in the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich, Mediterranean note and helps achieve a beautiful golden sear on the chicken.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer, ensuring the final dish is never bland.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth that enhances every bite.
- Garlic: Brings a warm, aromatic base that infuses both the chicken and sauce with irresistible flavor.
- Broccoli florets: Offer bright color and crunch, plus a boost of nutrition to balance the creamy elements.
- Penne or short pasta: Ideal for catching all that delicious sauce in every forkful.
- Chicken broth: Delivers robust flavor and helps cook the pasta right in the pan without diluting the richness.
- Milk: Lends a silky finish and lightens the overall creaminess of the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the ultra-creamy, comforting texture that makes this pasta so crave-worthy.
- Basil pesto: Packs a punch of herby, nutty flavor and gorgeous green color that defines the dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for savory depth and a touch of luxurious saltiness.
- Lemon juice (optional): Just a squeeze cuts through the richness with a bright, fresh finish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a whisper of heat and a pop of color on top.
How to Make One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start strong by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. While that’s warming up, season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Toss them into the pan and let them sizzle for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly golden and almost cooked through. This step locks in the chicken’s juiciness and sets a flavorful foundation.
Step 2: Infuse with Garlic
Add the minced garlic straight into the pan and cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. You’ll notice the pan smells incredible at this point—the garlic melds beautifully with the oils and juices from the chicken, layering in rich, savory aromas.
Step 3: Build the Pasta Base
This is where the magic of one-pan cooking kicks in. Stir in the uncooked pasta and broccoli florets, followed by the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged so it cooks evenly right alongside the chicken and greens.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent sticking. As the steam works its magic, the pasta turns perfectly tender, the broccoli turns bright, and nearly all the liquid gets absorbed into creamy deliciousness.
Step 5: Blend in Flavor
Once the pasta is al dente and the pan has a luscious, slightly saucy look, stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2–3 minutes over low heat, stirring gently until everything is coated in a silky green cream sauce. If using, add a squeeze of lemon juice now for a final pop of brightness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
It’s time for the grand finale! Sprinkle your One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve it piping hot, straight from the pan, and get ready to make everyone at the table happy.
How to Serve One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta
Garnishes
Take your One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta from comforting to company-worthy with thoughtful garnishes. Add a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan over the top for melty, savory appeal. Try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, or a few fresh basil leaves for a restaurant-style flourish. A twist of lemon zest can also bring out the basil-forward notes of the pesto beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a complete meal in a bowl, but if you want to round it out, opt for a crisp green salad tossed with a zingy vinaigrette to contrast the creaminess. Warm, crusty bread or soft garlic knots also make perfect accompaniments to mop up every last bit of the luscious sauce. If you’re feeding a crowd, pair with a light tomato salad or a platter of roasted vegetables for variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity shine when plating this dish! Serve your One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta family-style in the skillet for a rustic, inviting look. For dinner parties, twirl individual portions on shallow bowls and top each with a swirl of pesto and extra Parmesan. Or, spoon it into ramekins as a hearty side at a potluck—no one will believe it was all made in just one pan!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making each reheated bite just as satisfying as the first serving.
Freezing
Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta for future meals. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, let cool, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—just keep in mind the sauce may separate slightly, but a gentle stir brings it back together.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. For larger amounts, gently reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, a little extra cream or broth will restore its signature silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle works beautifully in One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta. Choose what you love or what you already have on hand—the sauce will cling to all those nooks and crannies.
Is there a way to make this lighter?
Yes! For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even use all milk. Go easy on the cheese and use a light pesto if you prefer—a few small tweaks keep the dish creamy without all the richness.
Can I substitute the chicken?
Definitely. Cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, added just at the end to warm through. For a seafood twist, add peeled raw shrimp in the final 5 minutes of simmering for a quick cook. Tofu or white beans can make it vegetarian-friendly while still adding protein.
Will frozen broccoli work?
Frozen broccoli is a convenient option. Just stir it in during the last five minutes of simmering instead of at the beginning, so it stays bright and tender rather than mushy. No need to thaw beforehand!
How can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
You can complete the recipe up to the point of stirring in the pesto and cheese, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove, add the final ingredients, and finish with garnishes. It’s an easy answer to entertaining with zero last-minute stress.
Final Thoughts
Trust me: once you’ve tried this One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta, you’ll find yourself coming back to it any time you crave something creamy, comforting, vibrant, and easy. It’s a celebration of big flavor in a single skillet. Give it a go this week and share the love—and the recipe!
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One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and nutritious broccoli in a creamy sauce, all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 12 ounces penne or short pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
- red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through.
- Add Ingredients: Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the uncooked pasta, broccoli, chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until creamy and well combined. Add lemon juice if desired. Garnish with red pepper flakes and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with cooked rotisserie chicken or use shrimp instead.
- Frozen broccoli can be used—just add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
