If you’re looking for a fast, family-friendly dinner that feels truly special, let me introduce you to the One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe. This dish is a weeknight hero—it brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, perfectly cooked pasta and a dreamy, basil-kissed cream sauce, all in just one pan. It’s so bright and satisfying that you’ll forget how unbelievably simple it is, and with just 30 minutes and a handful of ingredients, you’ll be dazzling everyone at the table without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe is how each ingredient pulls its weight to create a perfectly balanced meal. Every component brings its own flavor, texture or color, making the whole dish more than the sum of its parts.
- Olive oil: Gives the chicken a gorgeous golden sear and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Lean, tender pieces soak up all the herby flavors in our pesto sauce.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish so the flavors pop.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to highlight both the chicken and the creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves make the whole kitchen smell amazing and add depth to the sauce.
- Broccoli florets: Bring fresh color and a gentle crunch that balances the creamy pasta.
- Chicken broth: Makes the pasta extra flavorful as it simmers and soaks up savory goodness.
- Heavy cream: Delivers that luxurious, silky texture that has everyone going back for seconds.
- Short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce and little bursts of pesto in every bite.
- Basil pesto: The star flavor! It infuses the whole dish with herby, nutty, garlicky brightness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it that iconic Italian flavor and an extra touch of richness.
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil for garnish: Take the final presentation (and flavor) up a notch if you want a little extra flair.
How to Make One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and let them cook undisturbed until they’re beautifully golden and fully cooked—about 5 to 6 minutes. Once they’re done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. This first step locks in all that juicy flavor and gives the chicken a savory, golden crust that stands out in your finished pasta.
Step 2: Build the Pasta Base
In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those crispy brown bits from the chicken are pure flavor!), add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds. The fragrance will bloom, promising good things ahead. Next, toss in your broccoli florets, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and add the uncooked pasta. Stir everything together, scraping up any bits that might be stuck to the bottom of the pan, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up every drop of savory, creamy flavor while the broccoli becomes tender and vibrant.
Step 3: Stir in Pesto & Parmesan
Now it’s time for the magic moment that turns this from good to amazing! Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then stir in that luscious basil pesto and the grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer uncovered for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the cheese melt and the sauce thicken just enough to become rich and glossy. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe is now officially irresistible.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Spoon the hot, creamy pasta into bowls and sprinkle each serving with a little crushed red pepper flakes or fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy. Now all that’s left is to gather everyone around the table and dig in while everything’s piping hot and fragrant.
How to Serve One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For that finishing touch, try a shower of extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or a few torn basil leaves right on top. Fresh herbs and cheese not only brighten the plate but echo the flavor of the basil pesto laced throughout the dish, making every bite pop.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread are perfect companions. Their freshness and crunch will contrast beautifully with the creamy One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe, making your meal feel extra satisfying and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve your pasta family-style in a big, shallow bowl with extra pesto dotted over the top. For a fun twist or lighter option, you can even spoon the pasta into small ramekins for individual servings, or pack it as a main dish for a picnic or potluck. This recipe looks and tastes spectacular even in simple bowls—it’s comfort food with a touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle even more overnight, while the pasta stays satisfyingly creamy. It’s the kind of dish that makes lunch the next day genuinely exciting.
Freezing
Want to stock up? The One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 months for maximum flavor and texture. When freezing, you might notice the sauce separates a bit, but it all comes back together when reheated with a splash of cream or broth.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave (covered, with a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce). Stir occasionally until heated through, and finish with a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan or basil. It’ll taste just as creamy and delicious as it did on day one.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will turn out extra juicy and flavorful—just be sure to trim any excess fat and cook until fully done. The One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe is flexible enough to work with whatever chicken you have on hand.
Will gluten-free pasta work in this recipe?
Yes, you can use your favorite gluten-free short pasta shapes. Just watch the simmer time, as some gluten-free varieties cook faster or slower than wheat pasta. Give the sauce an extra stir now and then to prevent sticking.
Can I make this with store-bought pesto?
Of course! Store-bought pesto makes the One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe a breeze on busy nights. If you have a homemade batch, go for it—but I promise, the dish will be delicious either way.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
You sure can. Just skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add more broccoli, toss in slices of sautéed mushrooms, or even some white beans for extra protein.
How do I make the sauce lighter?
If you’d like a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or try using milk with a teaspoon of flour whisked in to help thicken the sauce. The One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe will still taste rich and comforting—with a little less indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe is the kind of dinner you’ll want to make again and again—easy, comforting, colorful, and packed with flavor. Gather your loved ones, grab your favorite skillet, and see just how quickly this dish disappears. Give it a try, and watch it become a new weeknight favorite in your home!
Print
One Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful one-pan meal with this delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta recipe. Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and pasta come together in a luscious sauce that’s bursting with basil pesto goodness.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet. Brown chicken pieces, then set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, add broccoli, chicken broth, cream, and pasta. Simmer until pasta is tender.
- Combine: Return cooked chicken to the pan, stir in pesto and Parmesan. Simmer until creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with red pepper flakes or basil. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Frozen broccoli can be used; add in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
