Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pesto Pasta
This creamy pasta blends tender chicken, lightly cooked broccoli, and a flavorful basil pesto cream sauce. It’s a comforting dish with fresh Mediterranean flavors — perfect for lunch, dinner, or weekly meal prep.
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
Total Time: 28–30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pasta
2 cups pasta (fusilli, penne, bowtie, or any shape)
Salt for boiling
For the Chicken
1 chicken breast (cut into small cubes)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional)
½ tsp salt
For the Pesto Cream Sauce
2 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup milk or cream
2 tbsp cream cheese OR 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 garlic clove (minced)
2 tbsp grated parmesan (optional but recommended)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Broccoli
1 cup small broccoli florets
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions.
Reserve ¼ cup pasta water.
Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Broccoli
Add broccoli to the pasta water during the last 2 minutes of boiling.
Drain it along with the pasta.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a pan.
Add cubed chicken, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt.
Cook 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
In the same pan, add garlic and sauté 10 seconds.
Add milk/cream + cream cheese (or yogurt).
Let it melt and thicken slightly.
Stir in pesto and parmesan.
Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Season with salt & pepper.
5. Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the pesto sauce.
Toss gently until coated and creamy.
Cook 1–2 minutes more so everything blends well.
Tips
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
For extra creaminess: add a splash of cream at the end.
For a lighter version: use milk and Greek yogurt.
Don’t overcook broccoli — keep it slightly crunchy.
️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread or a simple cucumber salad.
Top with more parmesan and fresh basil.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430–520
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 45–50g
Fat: 15–20g
Fiber: 4–5g