If you’re wondering about the ideal accompaniments to pesto chicken and broccoli pasta, you’re in luck! This dish is versatile. For instance, a crisp side salad can balance the meal. The refreshing crunch of mixed greens topped with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast.
You might also consider garlic bread. Honestly, who doesn’t love a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread? It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Finally, a glass of chilled white wine works wonders. Something like a Pinot Grigio can complement the flavors beautifully.
Now that we’ve got the sides covered, let’s dive into the main course!
Sometimes, you just need a meal that feels cozy yet sophisticated. Enter pesto chicken and broccoli pasta. This dish brings together the creaminess of light cooking cream, the freshness of basil pesto, and tender chicken strips. The broccoli adds a nutritious crunch, making it not just tasty but a well-rounded choice, too.
With a little garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for depth, this pasta recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or becoming a hit at gatherings. Let me share why this dish is worth adding to your rotation.
What is Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?
At its core, pesto chicken and broccoli pasta is an easy-to-make dish combining al dente pasta, flavorful chicken, broccoli, and a luscious pesto sauce. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top brings everything together beautifully. It’s a delightful way to incorporate greens into your meal and offers a good balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
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Why This Recipe Works
The allure of this dish lies in its straightforward preparation and delightful flavor profile. Here are several reasons why this recipe works exceptionally well:
1. Simple Ingredients
This recipe uses commonly found ingredients: pasta, chicken, broccoli, pesto, and basic seasonings. You likely have most of them hanging around your kitchen already!
2. Quick Preparation
On busy nights, you may not wish to spend hours in the kitchen. This meal can be ready in just about 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver after a long day.
3. Nutrient-Dense
With the addition of broccoli and the choice of lean chicken, you pack in valuable nutrients. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, while chicken provides high-quality protein.
4. Versatility
You can adapt this dish. Love spicy food? Add more red pepper flakes! Looking for a vegetarian twist? Replace chicken with chickpeas. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
Creating this flavorful meal requires the following ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- ½ medium onion, finely minced
- 4 cups al dente-cooked pasta (about)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 cup light cooking cream
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch strips
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How To Make Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Ready to make this delectable dish? Follow these straightforward steps:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until it’s al dente according to package directions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
While the pasta cooks, bring another small pot of salted water to a simmer. Add the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. It shouldn’t get mushy. Remove and drain, then set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic. Once they are fragrant, toss in the chicken strips. Cook until they are lightly browned and no longer pink, around 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with chicken and garlic. Stir in the broccoli. Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes and light cooking cream, mixing everything evenly.
Step 5: Mix in the Pesto
Now, let’s bring in the star of the show: the pesto! Mix in the basil pesto, and adjust texture using reserved pasta water if needed. Remember, you want it creamy but not soggy. Season with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Finally, plate your pasta. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top absolutely brings everything together. This is when it starts looking like a dish that could be served at a fancy restaurant!
Tips & Tricks
Here are some handy tips to make your cooking experience even smoother:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance the flavors. Dried pasta and frozen broccoli work too, but fresh is always a treat.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente; it’s easier to create that perfect sauce around it when it’s not too soft.
- Experiment with Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or stay entirely plant-based with chickpeas.
- Make It a Meal Prep: Cook a larger batch for leftovers. This meal is just as good the next day.
- Add Extra Veggies: Try adding peas, asparagus, or spinach. They blend seamlessly into the dish.
Nutrition Information
This dish is not only delightful but also packs in the nutrition. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Fats: 20g
These values can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.
How Do You Store The Leftovers?
Got some delicious leftovers? That’s great! Store them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll remain good for about 3-4 days. When you wish to enjoy them again, reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
What Sides Would Complement Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?
Here are a few side options to pair beautifully with your dish:
1. Mixed Green Salad
A vibrant salad with a mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light lemon vinaigrette can refresh the palate. The dressing should be light to contrast the rich pasta.
2. Garlic Bread
Warm garlic bread, slathered with butter and finely chopped parsley, will add a savory touch to your meal. It’s divine for soaking up any leftover sauce.
3. Roasted Vegetables
A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, can add a colorful and nutritious side to your plate.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If They Are Not Present?
Not in the mood for something specific? No problem! Here are alternatives to make this dish your own:
1. Pasta Varieties
Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash can create a low-carb option that’s just as delicious.
2. Protein Swaps
Instead of chicken, use turkey, shrimp, or even sausage. Tofu or tempeh can serve as vegetarian options, maintaining that satisfying protein level.
3. Cream Alternatives
Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of light cooking cream for a dairy-free version, making it just as rich in flavor.
4. Sauce Swaps
For a different flavor profile, consider using sun-dried tomato pesto or an alfredo sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- ½ medium onion finely minced
- 4 cups al dente-cooked pasta about
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes finely chopped
- 1 cup light cooking cream
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 fresh garlic cloves minced
- 2 boneless chicken breasts cut into ½-inch strips
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until it’s al dente according to package directions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help adjust the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
- While the pasta cooks, bring another small pot of salted water to a simmer. Add the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. It shouldn’t get mushy. Remove and drain, then set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic. Once they are fragrant, toss in the chicken strips. Cook until they are lightly browned and no longer pink, around 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with chicken and garlic. Stir in the broccoli. Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes and light cooking cream, mixing everything evenly.
Step 5: Mix in the Pesto
- Now, let’s bring in the star of the show: the pesto! Mix in the basil pesto, and adjust texture using reserved pasta water if needed. Remember, you want it creamy but not soggy. Season with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Finally, plate your pasta. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top absolutely brings everything together. This is when it starts looking like a dish that could be served at a fancy restaurant!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance the flavors. Dried pasta and frozen broccoli work too, but fresh is always a treat.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente; it’s easier to create that perfect sauce around it when it’s not too soft.
- Experiment with Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or stay entirely plant-based with chickpeas.
- Make It a Meal Prep: Cook a larger batch for leftovers. This meal is just as good the next day.
- Add Extra Veggies: Try adding peas, asparagus, or spinach. They blend seamlessly into the dish.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze pesto chicken and broccoli pasta?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just ensure the pasta and sauce are cooled completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. It’s best used within three months.
2. Is this dish suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Kids usually enjoy the creamy, flavorful elements, especially if you keep the spice levels low. Consider adding fun shapes of pasta to appeal more to them.
3. What is the best type of pesto to use?
Traditional basil pesto works well, but feel free to experiment with other varieties. Arugula, spinach, or sun-dried tomato pesto could bring unique flavors.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Certainly! Just substitute chicken with chickpeas or another favorite protein.
5. How do I add more flavor?
Herbs offer depth. Fresh basil, parsley, or oregano can enhance your dish. Don’t hesitate to infuse flavors into the oil while sautéing garlic and onions.
6. What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Fusilli or penne is ideal since they hold onto the sauce well. But anything you have will work; the goal is to have fun with it!
Conclusion
Pesto chicken and broccoli pasta is quintessentially a comfort food that stands out for its simplicity and flavor. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but sophisticated enough for a special occasion. With the bright green broccoli and sumptuous pesto, this dish proves that pasta doesn’t have to be heavy to be satisfying.
Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with delightful sides, this meal brings family and friends together. So go ahead, whip up a batch tonight, and create wonderful memories around the dining table! Trust me; your effort will be more than worth it. Enjoy!
