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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Dinner ยป Pasta

    Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta

    Published: Jan 5, 2023 ยท Updated: Dec 8, 2024 by Neil 21 Comments

    37 shares
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    Twp plates of pesto chicken broccoli pasta one above the other. Pin title text overlay at top.

    Pesto chicken broccoli pasta is a delicious healthy weeknight dinner recipe. Made with homemade pesto, the whole family will love it!

    A plate of pesto chicken broccoli pasta with a fork. A saucepan and salt and pepper cellars behind.

    Made with penne pasta homemade basil pesto, chicken and broccoli, this pesto chicken broccoli pasta is an excellent healthy all year round meal.

    I took my inspiration for this recipe from my popular chicken pesto pasta. Except this one has broccoli in it!

    If you don't have time to make your own pesto (I do recommend it though) then you can substitute with shop bought instead.

    However, I've included full step-by-step instructions below for not only how to make this pesto chicken broccoli pasta recipe but also how to make homemade pesto using a food processor or by using a pestle and mortar.

    Hopefully you can see how easy it is to make your own pesto and will agree that there is no substitute for making your own.

    This tasty chicken broccoli pesto pasta recipe is made with no cream and is the ultimate comfort food!

    Two plates of served pesto chicken broccoli pasta one above the other. Salt and pepper cellars to the right hand side.

    Once you've made the pesto there's just the chopping of the broccoli and chicken to make this delicious pesto chicken pasta.

    You can do the chopping whilst you've got your pasta cooking.

    Then cook the broccoli, then the chicken and mix everything together.

    Serve your delicious pesto sauce covered chicken and broccoli on slightly warmed plates sprinkled with some freshly grated parmesan cheese.

    The recipe serves 4, it's a great recipe for the whole family and easily customisable too!

    Two plates of chicken and broccoli pesto pasta with forks on. One above the other.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Step By Step Instructions
    • How To Make Homemade Pesto Using A Food Processor
    • How To Make Homemade Pesto Using A Pestle And Mortar
    • How To Make Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta
    • Substitutions
    • FAQ's
    • Other Popular Pasta Recipes You Might Also Like
    • ๐Ÿ“‹ Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe
    • Nutrition Label
    • Rate The Recipe
    Pesto chicken broccoli pasta ingredients laid out on a table.

    Ingredients

    • Fresh Basil Leaves
    • Lightly Toasted Pine Nuts
    • Cloves Garlic
    • Lemon Juice
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • Parmesan Cheese
    • Freshly Ground Salt And Black Pepper
    • Penne Pasta
    • Broccoli Florets
    • Olive Oil
    • Chicken Breasts
    • Pesto
    • Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional for garnish)

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Step By Step Instructions

    Detailed instructions are in the recipe card below. But here is a quick step by step guide of how to make this pesto chicken broccoli pasta recipe:

    How To Make Homemade Pesto Using A Food Processor

    Basil leaves, toasted pine nuts and garlic blended together in a food processor.

    Step 1

    • Blitz basil leaves, pine nuts and garlic in a food processor.
    Pesto ingredients mixed together in a small glass pyrex bowl.

    Step 2

    • Remove the blended ingredients into a seperate small bowl and mix with the lemon juice, oil and parmesan cheese. Season to taste.

    How To Make Homemade Pesto Using A Pestle And Mortar

    Basil leaves bashed into a pulp in a pestle and mortar.

    Step 1

    • Bash the basil leaves into a pulp first.
    Pine nuts and garlic added to bashed pulped basil leaves in a pestle and mortar.

    Step 2

    • Then add the pine nuts and garlic and bash them all together into a pulp.
    Lemon Juice and parmesan mixed together in a seperate bowl with the basil pesto pulp from the pestle and mortar.

    Step 3

    • Remove the ingredients into a separate bowl, add the lemon juice, oil, and the Parmesan cheese, mix all together. Season the basil pesto sauce to taste.

    How To Make Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta

    Penne pasta in a saucepan.

    Step 1

    • Cook the pasta al dente according to the packet instructions. Drain and reserve 3 -4 tablespoons of the pasta water.
    Broccoli pieces cooked in a medium sized saucepan.

    Step 2

    • Cook the broccoli pieces. Once cooked drain into a colander.
    Chicken being cooked in a large saucepan.

    Step 3

    • Gently heat the oil in a large saucepan / skillet then cook the chicken until cooked through.
    Chicken, broccoli, pasta and pesto all stirred together in a large saucepan.

    Step 4

    • Stir in the broccoli, pasta then the pesto and heat through. Use the reserved cooking water if needed.
    Pesto chicken broccoli pasta served on a plate and garnished with some grated Parmesan cheese.

    Step 5

    • Serve the pesto chicken broccoli pasta garnished with some grated Parmesan cheese.

    Substitutions

    • Fresh Basil Leaves - essential to make the homemade basil pesto.
    • Lightly Toasted Pine Nuts
    • Cloves Garlic
    • Lemon Juice
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • Parmesan Cheese - you can use an alternative hard cheese
    • Freshly Ground Salt And Black Pepper
    • Penne Pasta - I use wholewheat penne pasta. You could also use other types of tube shaped pasta like rigatoni. Farfalle or rotini would be suitable too.
    • Broccoli Florets
    • Olive Oil - an ordinary cooking olive oil is fine.
    • Chicken Breasts - I use skinless chicken breast. You could use leftover roast chicken, boneless skinless chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken.
    • Pesto
    • Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional for garnish)

    FAQ's

    How Long Does Homemade Pesto Last In Fridge?

    How long does pesto last? This easy basil pesto sauce will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.

    How Long Does Homemade Pesto Last In Freezer?

    Pesto will keep in the freezer for up to six months. Freeze it in ice cube containers or wrap it in plastic wrap.

    What Are The Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta Calories?

    604 calories per serving.

    How To Store Leftovers?

    Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 2 - 3 days in the fridge.

    Can You Freeze This?

    Yes. Allow to cool completely first then portion any leftovers into individual containers.

    How To Reheat?

    This is best reheated on the stove gently in a saucepan over a low heat. Although you can reheat in a microwave on short 1 minute blasts too.

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    A plate of pesto chicken broccoli pasta with a fork. A saucepan and salt and pepper cellars behind.
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    5 from 10 votes

    📋 Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe

    Pesto chicken broccoli pasta is a delicious healthy weeknight dinner recipe. Made with homemade pesto, the whole family will love it!
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Cook Time20 minutes mins
    Total Time40 minutes mins
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: International
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 604kcal
    Author: Neil

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

    This means that if you click on it and then buy that product I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    Equipment

    • Saucepans
    • Kitchen scale
    • Chopping board
    • Kitchen knives
    • Measuring spoons
    • Measuring jug
    • Pestle and mortar
    • Food processor
    • Wooden spoon
    • Colander

    Ingredients

    For the Homemade Pesto: -

    • 40 g fresh basil leaves
    • 45 g lightly toasted pine nuts
    • 2 cloves garlic roughly chopped
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
    • 25 g grated parmesan cheese
    • Freshly ground salt and pepper

    For the Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta: -

    • 200 g wholewheat penne pasta
    • 300 g broccoli florets cut into bitesize pieces
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 400 g chicken breasts cut into bite size chunks
    • 4 tablespoons of pesto
    • Grated Parmesan Cheese optional for garnish
    Metric - US Customary

    Instructions

    For the Homemade Pesto: -

    • If you have a food processor, blitz the basil leaves, then add the pine nuts and garlic and blitz again.
    • If you do not have a food processor, use a pestle and mortar, or sturdy bowl and the end of a rolling pin to bash the basil leaves into a pulp first, then add the pine nuts and garlic and bash them all together into a pulp.
    • Remove the ingredients into a separate bowl, add the lemon juice, oil, and the Parmesan cheese, mix all together. Season to taste*

    For the Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta: -

    • Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Drain and reserve 3 -4 tablespoon of the cooking water.
    • Cook the broccoli pieces in boiling water over a medium heat for 5-6 minutes. Once cooked drain into a colander.
    • Gently heat the oil in a large pan / skillet then add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally for 8 - 10 minutes until cooked through.
    • Once chicken is cooked through stir in the broccoli, pasta then the pesto and heat through. Use the reserved cooking water to thin out the pesto so the sauce coats all the ingredients if needed.
    • Serve the pesto chicken broccoli pasta garnished with some grated Parmesan cheese.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Notes

    *The recipe will make more than enough pesto which can be stored in the fridge for 5 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 604kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 392mg | Potassium: 723mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1385IU | Vitamin C: 71mg | Calcium: 142mg | Iron: 2mg

    Nutrition Label

    Nutritional information provided below is calculated using paid for online tools and the exact ingredients and quantities used above.

    Nutrition Facts
    📋 Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 604 Calories from Fat 414
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 46g71%
    Saturated Fat 7g44%
    Trans Fat 0.01g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 7g
    Monounsaturated Fat 23g
    Cholesterol 71mg24%
    Sodium 392mg17%
    Potassium 723mg21%
    Carbohydrates 40g13%
    Fiber 6g25%
    Sugar 3g3%
    Protein 34g68%
    Vitamin A 1385IU28%
    Vitamin C 71mg86%
    Calcium 142mg14%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Rate The Recipe

    If you’ve made this creamy pesto chicken broccoli pasta recipe, or any other recipes on Neil's Healthy Meals, then please let me know.

    I’d love to hear what you think of my recipe in the comments below and please do rate my recipe 5* if you like it! 🙂

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. angiesrecipes

      January 05, 2023 at 4:27 am

      5 stars
      Can't eat broccoli though I love them as they give me tummy ache...it's annoying. The pasta surely looks filling and very tasty.

      Reply
      • Neil

        January 05, 2023 at 6:17 am

        Sorry to hear you can't eat Broccoli Angie. I haven't actually tried any substitutes for that yet. Maybe green beans might work instead in this recipe though?

        Reply
    2. Charlie DeSando

      January 05, 2023 at 12:26 pm

      5 stars
      I do love a good pasta dish, thanks for posting this

      Reply
      • Neil

        January 05, 2023 at 4:18 pm

        You're welcome Charlie.

        Reply
    3. Chef Mimi

      January 05, 2023 at 11:43 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe, and I always have pesto in the freezer! To me, Parmesan would not be optional!

      Reply
      • Neil

        January 06, 2023 at 5:22 am

        Thanks Mimi. I can't imagine this without parmesan either!

        Reply
    4. David @ Spiced

      January 09, 2023 at 12:56 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely love pesto pasta, and this one sounds like an easy and delicious weeknight meal. The addition of broccoli to bulk this up sounds great, too! I just realized we haven't cooked broccoli in a while here, and this recipe sounds delicious - putting it on the menu!

      Reply
      • Neil

        January 10, 2023 at 1:41 pm

        I've always got pesto in the freezer or in the fridge so this is frequently on the menu here. Glad you like it. Thanks David!

        Reply
    5. Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man!

      January 09, 2023 at 3:33 pm

      5 stars
      I do love pesto! Ahc chicken. So I'm already a big fan of this recipe. I love that it doesn't have cream. Not that I don't love cream, but I don't need it all the time.

      Reply
      • Neil

        January 10, 2023 at 1:43 pm

        Thanks Jeff! We find the pesto is perfectly creamy enough without adding any additional cream here. I'm sure you'll love it too!

        Reply
        • Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man!

          January 15, 2023 at 5:59 pm

          I don't doubt that I will. I haven't made pesto in quite some time, and you've inspired me!

          Reply
    6. Raymund | angsarap.net

      January 12, 2023 at 10:53 pm

      5 stars
      That looks really great, not a fan of just plain pesto pasta but with addition ingredients like this I am definitely in!

      Reply
      • Neil

        January 15, 2023 at 9:47 am

        Thanks Raymund. The chicken and broccoli are great in this pesto recipe together. Thanks for your comment and rating!

        Reply
    7. 2pots2cook

      January 13, 2023 at 1:21 pm

      5 stars
      Oh yes! Just bought broccoli before work today! Great suggestion for week dinner we'll have. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Neil

        January 15, 2023 at 9:48 am

        Hope you enjoy it. Thank you!

        Reply
    8. Ben | Havocinthekitchen

      January 19, 2023 at 1:23 pm

      5 stars
      Even though chicken might not be the ingredient Italians consider adding to pasta, I love it - always so hearty and tasty (Plus filling so it could help you consume less carbs. Well, who am I kidding? I'll never be able to stop until all the pasta is gone lol). Anyway, the combination of pasta, pesto, chicken, and broccoli sounds so delicious and comforting!

      Reply
      • Neil

        January 20, 2023 at 5:39 am

        I agree Ben. I added more chicken so as to help consume less carbs from the pasta. It's always difficult though. Especially at this time of year when it's so cold and you just want to consume lots of carbs as comfort and to keep warm!

        Reply
    9. Michelle

      January 23, 2023 at 6:36 pm

      5 stars
      All the ingredients that I have in my pantry to make, especially on a weekday! Love that green hue and delicious flavour that pesto gives to the pasta!

      Reply
      • Neil

        January 24, 2023 at 6:53 am

        Hope you enjoy it Michelle! It's a great one for the time of year!

        Reply
    10. Sherry M

      February 02, 2023 at 5:08 am

      5 stars
      i love chicken and i love broccoli - it's just the pasta I'm not keen on :=)

      Reply
      • Neil

        February 02, 2023 at 6:10 am

        I'm not sure what to recommend instead of the pasta here Sherry. It kind of makes the recipe! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    5 from 10 votes

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