Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
I’ve got a recipe that’s about to become your new kitchen superstar: Creamy Pesto Pasta and Broccoli. Yup, you heard that right – we’re talking velvety, dreamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, vibrant green broccoli, and a dash of pesto pizzazz. Whether you’re cooking up a storm on a busy weeknight or inviting friends over for some good ol’ comfort food, this dish has your back. So, aprons on and spatulas ready, it’s time to dive into a bowl of pure, unadulterated yum! 🍝🥦🌟
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@melissajorealrecipes Chicken pesto Pasta! 1 lb penne pasta 1 head of broccoli, chopped into florets 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp butter 1 small onion, finely chopped 6 cloves of garlic, minced 2-3 chicken breasts, chopped into cubes Chicken seasoning: 1 tsp garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper each 1 pint heavy cream 1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano Cheese 1/4 cup pesto Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste. #pesto #pastarecipe #chickenbreastrecipe #easydinner
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 head of broccoli chopped into florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 6 cloves of garlic minced
- 2-3 chicken breasts chopped into cubes
- Chicken seasoning: 1 tsp garlic powder Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper each
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano Cheese
- 1/4 cup pesto
- Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Boil Pasta and Broccoli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
- About two minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. This will blanch the broccoli, giving it a vibrant color and preserving its crunchiness. Drain both pasta and broccoli and set aside.
Saute Chicken and Aromatics:
- In a pan with high sides, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Saute the chicken until it turns a light golden color. Push the chicken to the edge of the pan to create space in the center.
Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- In the center of the pan, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Season with a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper.
- Saute until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Create Creamy Base:
- Combine the sauteed chicken with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the pesto to infuse the sauce with its vibrant flavor.
Thicken the Sauce:
- Gradually sprinkle in the grated Pecorino Romano Cheese while stirring constantly.
- Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat until it thickens to your desired consistency.Add more alt and pepper if needed.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked penne pasta and blanched broccoli to the creamy sauce.
- Gently toss everything together to coat the pasta and broccoli evenly with the luscious sauce.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!