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Chicken Pesto Pasta with Broccoli

A delicious and vibrant dish combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy pesto, and flavorful cherry tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless (skinless) chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Offers succulent bites of protein.
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil For richness and to sauté the chicken.
  • 1.5 teaspoons garlic, minced Provides an aromatic burst of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Blends herbs for a warm flavor.
  • 12 oz. bow tie pasta (farfalle) Adds fun shape and texture.
  • 2 cups broccoli florets Provides a crunchy, fresh element.
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes Bursting with sweetness and vibrant color.
  • 1 cup basil pesto The star ingredient.
  • 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese Adds a salty, creamy finish.
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley For garnish and freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
  2. One minute before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot, allowing them to blanch.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the bite-sized chicken with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, sauté for 4-5 minutes on each side until lightly browned and cooked through.
Adding Flavor
  1. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and cherry tomatoes to the chicken. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Drain the pasta and broccoli and return them to the pot. Add the cooked chicken and tomatoes.
  2. Pour in the basil pesto and sprinkle the parmesan cheese over everything. Stir gently to combine.
Serving
  1. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

Make sure your pesto is fresh. You can customize the recipe with other vegetables. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or ricotta.