Chicken and Broccoli Pesto Pasta is an aromatic and fast dish that combines crisp broccoli, juicy chicken, and a creamy pesto sauce enriched with basil. Cooked just with a stove. You can put together a recipe that is high in nutrients and flavor by using only a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time.
WHAT KIND OF PASTA SHOULD I USE?
There is no specific kind of pasta needed for this recipe. You can actually use any type of pasta noodles you want or have. There are lots to choose from, it just depends on your own preference. What's nice about this is that all pasta noodle kinds go well with this recipe. Here are some ideas for you:
1. Penne
The penne is a fantastic option because of its tube shape and ridges, which help keep the pesto sauce in place.
2. Fusilli
The twists on this type of pasta effectively capture the taste of the pesto, making every mouthful delicious.
3. Fettuccine
This pasta has a thick consistency and is flat and wide, which goes well with rich pesto flavors.
4. Spaghetti
A tried-and-true choice that works well is spaghetti pasta, particularly if you like lengthy noodles.
IS STORE BOUGHT PESTO ANY GOOD?
Purchasing pesto from the grocery store might be a great and simple choice, particularly if you're pressed for time or ingredients. Though the quality varies, several brands have a smooth feel and a strong basil taste in their pesto.
Because it usually has less preservatives, pesto found in the refrigerator area usually tastes fresher. You can also improve the taste of store-bought pesto by including fresh basil, a small amount of extra virgin olive oil, or a little bit of lemon juice.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PESTO PASTA
To be honest, it is already so good on its own but if you want to pair it with something, there are many dishes that complement this meal. They can also enhance the flavor more. Check out these great sides:
1. Grilled Asparagus
The vibrant fresh taste of roasted asparagus with a hint of lemon zest balances the creamy consistency of the pesto pasta.
2. Garlic Bread
An old favorite, garlic bread can soak up any leftover pesto sauce and provides a crisp accent to the creamy pasta.
3. Antipasto Platter
For a Mediterranean-inspired side, put together an antipasto platter topped with marinated artichokes, cured meats, and olives.
INGREDIENTS
You will need the items listed below to make this filling meal recipe:
- Chicken Breast
- Pasta Noodles
- Garlic
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Pesto
- Grape Tomatoes
- Fresh Broccoli Florets
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- Salt and Pepper
- Ground Red Pepper
HOW TO MAKE PESTO PASTA RECIPE
Now that you have gathered all of your ingredients, it is time to make this yummy recipe. Follow the instructions below for the best results!
STEP ONE: COOK PASTA
Let us start off with cooking our pasta noodles. Now, you can make use any type of pasta you prefer. Just follow the cooking instructions on the packaging and cook the pasta. Once the pasta is cooked, be sure to get a cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest of the water then set it aside for now.
STEP TWO: PREPARE INGREDIENTS
You can do this while the pasta is cooking too. Grab a large skillet and put on medium heat. When it is hot enough, add the olive oil and garlic to the pan. Sauté this for about a minute or so and just continue stirring until ready.
After that you can go ahead and toss in the other ingredients. Add the pesto, tomatoes, broccoli, and chicken. Continue cooking for 4 to 6 minutes. Just keep stirring to incorporate all the flavors together and to cover the chicken and veggies with the pesto, garlic, and olive oil.
STEP THREE: ADD PASTA AND SEASONING
Once that is done, remove the skillet from the heat then add the seasonings to the dish. Throw in more pesto, add salt, black pepper, ground red pepper, parmesan, pasta and the pasta water from earlier. Gently mix all the ingredients together until fully combined.
STEP FOUR: SERVE
Top with more parmesan cheese, serve, and enjoy!
CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PESTO PASTA RECIPE
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Chicken and Broccoli Pesto Pasta is a delicious and nutritious dish that includes fresh veggies!
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast choppped
- 16 ounces pasta any shape
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup pesto + 2 tablespoons, divided
- 1 cup grape tomatoes cut into halves
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets cut into small florets
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper optional
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Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water prior to draining pasta. Drain pasta and set aside.
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While your pasta is cooking, preheat large skillet on medium heat and add olive oil and garlic. Saute for a minute, stirring often.
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Add 2 tablespoons of pesto, tomatoes and broccoli and chicken. Cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring to cover chicken and vegetables with pesto, garlic and olive oil.
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Remove skillet from the heat and add: 1/4 cup pesto, salt, black pepper, ground red pepper, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, pasta and pasta water. Stir very gently to combine all ingredients.
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This does not need to be covered.
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You can use the last 1/2 cups of Parmesan cheese to sprinkle over the top before serving.
Refrigerate leftovers.
You can use whole wheat pasta or gluten free pasta if preferred.
If you really love the pesto flavor, you can add a little more.
If you liked this delicious recipe, be sure to check these other great recipes out:
- Easy Slow Cooker Cajun Braised Chicken Recipe
- Super Easy Buffalo Chicken Wraps Recipe (Healthy!)
- Broccoli Cheese Tots
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