If you’re after a show-stopping weeknight meal that comes together in half an hour, you simply have to try the One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe. This hearty, flavor-packed dinner brings tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli together with perfectly cooked penne, all enrobed in a rich pesto-Parmesan cream sauce. And the best part? It all happens in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze! Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, this dish feels special but is easy enough for any night of the week. Creamy, comforting, and vibrant with fresh basil essence, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every good recipe starts with a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients, and this is no exception. Each item here earns its keep, bringing color, flavor, and irresistible texture to your One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe.

Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Tender and lean protein that absorbs all the flavors in the pan.
Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a warm, savory punch.
Salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors—don’t skimp on this one!
Black pepper: Brings gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
Broccoli florets: Adds color, crunch, and pops of freshness in every bite.
Chicken broth: The flavorful base for simmering your pasta to tender perfection.
Heavy cream: The secret to that ultra-creamy, luscious sauce—pure comfort.
Penne or short pasta: Holds the sauce perfectly and cooks right alongside the chicken and veggies.
Basil pesto: Packed with herby, garlicky depth—choose your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty richness.
Lemon juice (optional): A little squeeze brightens all the flavors at the end.
Fresh basil or extra Parmesan for garnish: A finishing touch that makes every serving pop!

How to Make One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating your olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. While the oil gets hot, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to lock in flavor from the get-go. Add the chicken to the pan, letting it cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pieces brown evenly and cook through. This first layer of flavor helps everything else shine later on.

Step 2: Add the Broccoli

Once your chicken is golden and cooked, toss in those bright green broccoli florets. Sauté for another 2 minutes—just enough to start softening them while keeping their color and a little crunch. This quick step lets the broccoli soak in those savory pan juices, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Simmer with Broth, Cream, and Pasta

Now for the no-fuss magic: pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add your uncooked penne or short pasta right to the pan. Give everything a good stir. Crank up the heat until it boils, then reduce to medium-low. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes. Peek in and stir every so often—the pasta should cook to al dente, and the sauce will begin to thicken as it simmers together with all the flavors from the chicken and broccoli.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Bright

Once the pasta has soaked up most of the liquid and is just right, stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan. These are the secret weapons: the pesto brings herby, garlicky depth, and the Parmesan adds all the creamy, cheesy goodness. A squeeze of lemon is optional, but it really wakes everything up and balances the richness. Turn off the heat and let it hang out for a few minutes to thicken—it’ll taste even better.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Spoon generous helpings into warm bowls and shower with fresh basil leaves or extra cheese. This final flourish takes your One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe from weeknight dinner to dinner party worthy, with almost zero extra effort.

How to Serve One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a handful of fresh basil ribbons add color, aroma, and that irresistible finish. Try a little lemon zest if you want extra brightness. These tiny touches make each serving of your One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe visually stunning and a joy to eat.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but if you feel like rounding out your meal, consider a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread to mop up every drop of sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a platter of marinated olives also make delightful sides that won’t steal the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Pour the pasta into a large, shallow serving bowl and top with a swirl of pesto, a tumble of shaved Parmesan, and a few basil leaves for rustic Italian charm. Or serve in individual pasta bowls with a lemon wedge on the side so everyone can adjust the tartness to their liking. For a wow moment at a gathering, try mini portions in ramekins or on crostini as a unique appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any remaining pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and stash in the fridge. One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe will keep for up to three days, and it’s just as comforting on day two as it was fresh off the stove.

Freezing

While creamy pastas often change texture when frozen, you can freeze this dish if needed. Let the pasta cool completely, spoon into freezer-safe containers, and cover tightly. Defrost in the fridge overnight and expect the sauce to be a bit thicker—just stir in a splash of cream or broth when reheating.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, starting with 50 percent power. Add a little extra cream, broth, or even milk to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir frequently and heat just until hot, so the sauce stays smooth and chicken doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Sliced cooked sausage, shrimp, or leftover rotisserie chicken work beautifully. Simply adjust cooking times and add them towards the end if they’re already cooked.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Of course! Swap the chicken for canned white beans or extra broccoli, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and enjoy all the flavor and comfort with a plant-based twist.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want to lighten things up, half-and-half or whole milk will do the trick. Just know the sauce may be a bit thinner, though still delicious and creamy.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Any short pasta, like rotini, fusilli, farfalle, or even shells, will work perfectly in the One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe. Just check the package for cooking times and adjust as needed.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. The creamy sauce is mild, and the broccoli cooks up tender with no bitterness. Kids love the cheesy, herby flavor and the fun pasta shape, making this a true family favorite.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. It’s easy, rewarding, and guaranteed to draw rave reviews around the table. Make it soon and watch it become a weeknight tradition everyone begs for again and again!

One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and pasta are cooked in a creamy pesto sauce for a flavorful dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Broccoli:

3 cups broccoli florets

Sauce:

3 cups chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
12 ounces penne or short pasta
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)

Garnish:

fresh basil or extra Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
Add Broccoli: Add broccoli to the pan and cook until slightly tender.
Cook Pasta: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pasta is al dente.
Finish Dish: Stir in pesto and Parmesan cheese until sauce is creamy. Add lemon juice if desired. Let sit to thicken, then serve hot, garnished with basil or extra cheese.