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Home | Recipes | Chicken Pesto Pasta

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Published on September 7, 2021 by Stephanie Kay

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Made with penne pasta, basil pesto, chicken, and broccoli, this chicken pesto pasta is a well-balanced meal complete with fiber, protein, and healthy fats! Not only does this recipe work well as a healthy weeknight meal but also keeps well in the fridge making it a wonderful meal prep idea for healthy weekday lunches.

Chicken Pesto Pasta with Broccoli

I used penne pasta in my recipe, however, you could certainly use spaghetti, fettuccine, or bow-tie pasta if you prefer – any style of pasta will work! You could also add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the dish if you wanted to create a creamier sauce or add extra vegetables in the form of tomatoes or asparagus for an added boost of fiber.

Regardless of which route you go, this pesto pasta is sure to be a great addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire, as it works well all year long.

More Healthy Pasta Recipes:

  • Spinach Ricotta Pasta
  • No-Boil Pasta Bake
  • Tomato, Spinach, and Bacon Pasta
  • Pea and Bacon Pasta
  • Greek Chicken Pasta
  • Creamy Zucchini Pasta
  • Chicken Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
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Chicken Pesto Pasta with Broccoli

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Author: Stephanie Kay

This healthy chicken pesto pasta with broccoli is a quick and easy recipe you can whip up any time of the year. Feel free to add extra veggies or a splash of cream for an extra creamy sauce.

  • Author: Stephanie Kay
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Mains
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Ingredients

  • 6 ounces (170 grams) penne pasta, dry
  • 1 chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 pinch red chili flakes
  • 1 1/2 cups broccoli, florets
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Parmesan cheese, to serve

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. With 2-minutes remaining, add broccoli florets to the pot, scooping 1-cup of pasta water out of the pot. Then, once cooked, drain pasta and broccoli and set aside.
  2. Place chicken breast on a cutting board, sliced into thin strips, and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. In a large pan on medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Add sliced chicken, minced garlic, and chili flakes and cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until the chicken is lightly browned.
  4. Once cooked, add the pasta and pesto to the pan with the chicken and toss until everything is well coated. If you find the mixture too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until a smooth consistency is reached.
  5. Once cooked, divide the mixture evenly across two bowls and top with freshly grated parmesan to serve.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 617 calories
  • Sugar: 4 grams
  • Fat: 26 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 63 grams
  • Fiber: 5 grams
  • Protein: 33 grams

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    Comments

    1. Kerry says

      May 2, 2023 at 3:22 pm

      Good. Will make again.

      Reply
    2. Julia says

      May 2, 2023 at 4:36 pm

      A great last minute meal! Easy and delicious!

      Reply
    3. Patti says

      September 13, 2023 at 8:22 am

      This has been a summer favourite. Made this recipe quite a few times. Added cherry tomatoes to it to change things up a few times. Super easy & so flavourful. Highly recommend this recipe.

      Reply
    4. Greta Gillin says

      December 13, 2023 at 8:55 am

      Delicious and filling!! Thank you!

      Reply
    5. Lisa Fine says

      January 2, 2024 at 5:44 pm

      I really loved this one! I love anything with pesto and pasta, and this was just right for a satisfying, comforting meal! Thank you, Red!

      Reply
      • Stephanie Kay says

        January 3, 2024 at 10:45 am

        So happy you enjoyed it, thank you so much for sharing, Lisa!

        Reply
    6. Anonymous says

      January 3, 2024 at 5:27 pm

      Delicious! I love that it is a balanced meal but I sometimes add a side veg.

      Reply
    Stephanie Kay Nutrition

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