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

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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Melissa Jo

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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.

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