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–+ servings
Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Ready in 25 Minutes!

A quick and delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe that takes only 25 minutes to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Cooked Pasta (Penne or Rigatoni) Use about 12 oz dried pasta for four cups cooked.
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Feel free to use fresh or frozen.
For the Chicken and Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Substitute with butter for a richer flavor if preferred.
  • 1 medium Onion Any variety will do, just adjust cooking times.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
  • 1 lb Chicken Breasts Sliced thin for speedy cooking.
  • 1 cup Light Cream or Half-and-Half Heavy cream makes it richer, while milk with butter lightens it up.
  • 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated melts better but pre-shredded works too.
  • 0.5 cup Pesto Store-bought is convenient.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large pan

Method
 

Directions
  1. Boil water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions, but omit 1 minute. Add the broccoli during the last minute of cooking. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté onion: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent.
  3. Add garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
  4. Cook chicken: Season sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  5. Make the sauce: Lower the heat to medium, stir in the cream, parmesan cheese, and pesto. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Combine ingredients: Gently toss in the cooked pasta and broccoli. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 30gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for that final touch. Perfectly cooked pasta and retained broccoli crunch enhance this dish.

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