Imagine a dish that combines the creamy richness of pesto, the tender bite of perfectly cooked chicken, and the vibrant crunch of fresh broccoli - all twirled together in a delectable pasta masterpiece. This Broccoli Pesto Chicken Noodles recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're a busy professional looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a home cook craving something deliciously satisfying, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's both nutritious and incredibly tasty.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g noodles
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 200g of noodles, 1 cup of broccoli florets, 1 cup of cooked and shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of basil pesto, Parmesan cheese for serving, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the 200g of noodles to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the broccoli. In a separate pot, bring a small amount of water to a boil and add the 1 cup of broccoli florets. Blanch the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Once the broccoli is cooked, drain it and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After a couple of minutes, drain the broccoli again and set it aside.
- When the noodles are cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the noodles and return them to the pot.
- Add the cooked and shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, and 1/2 cup of basil pesto to the noodles in the pot.
- Toss everything together gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once well combined, remove the pot from heat and serve the Broccoli Pesto Chicken Noodles immediately.
- Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Broccoli Pesto Chicken Noodles!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken and homemade basil pesto if possible.
- Don't overcook the broccoli - aim for that perfect tender-crisp texture by blanching briefly and shocking in ice water.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial for creating a silky, creamy sauce that helps the pesto coat the noodles evenly.
- For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat noodles and Greek yogurt-based pesto.
- Experiment with different protein options like grilled shrimp or tofu for variety.
- Always season to taste and add extra Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
