Description
This One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich, creamy pesto sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a comforting dish that brings together fresh ingredients with vibrant flavors in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
Seasoning & Sauces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook chicken and broccoli: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken 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, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet with the broccoli. Stir in the pesto, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce is heated through and emulsified, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates or bowls, top with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat; adjust to your preference.
- Use fresh pesto or store-bought depending on convenience and taste preference.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- You can swap rigatoni for other pasta shapes like penne or farfalle if desired.
