Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up? Introducing Chicken Broccolini Pesto Pasta—a vibrant Italian delight that combines tender pasta, succulent chicken, and crisp-tender broccolini all enveloped in a luscious pesto sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. In just 35 minutes, you can create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition. Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and discover how simple it is to bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 cups broccolini, trimmed
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, trim the ends of the broccolini and cut into bite-sized pieces, approximately 2 inches long.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccolini directly to the boiling water to blanch it briefly, ensuring it remains bright green and crisp-tender.
- Drain the pasta and broccolini together in a colander, shaking off excess water.
- In a large skillet, combine the cooked pasta, broccolini, and diced chicken over medium heat.
- Add pesto sauce to the skillet, stirring gently to coat all ingredients evenly. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional parmesan if desired.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta works, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free options for a healthier twist.
- Perfectly Al Dente: Be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time to achieve that ideal al dente texture. Remember to reserve some pasta water for a creamier sauce!
- Broccolini Bliss: To keep your broccolini vibrant and crunchy, add it to the boiling water during the last few minutes of pasta cooking. This quick blanching method helps retain its bright green color and nutrients.
- Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto—try sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for a unique flavor profile.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your palate.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil before serving can elevate the dish's presentation and flavor.
- Leftovers Love: This dish keeps well in the fridge for a day or two, making it a great option for meal prep. Just reheat gently to enjoy again!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 435kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 28g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
