Description
This One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dinner that combines tender rigatoni pasta, juicy chicken breasts, fresh broccoli florets, and a rich, creamy pesto sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe brings together vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients into a satisfying meal that’s ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastas & Proteins
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
Vegetables
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
Seasonings & Oils
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Cook chicken and broccoli: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and cook until tender-crisp, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Stir in the pesto, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well and cook on medium heat until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened, around 3-5 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy pesto sauce, chicken, and broccoli.
- Serve: Spoon the pasta onto plates, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute rigatoni with other tubular pasta like penne or ziti.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or use a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Adjust the quantity of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to retain its crunch and bright color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
