Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Penne
Savor the delightful combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente penne pasta all brought together by a rich and creamy basil pesto. This dish not only packs a punch of flavor but also brings nutritional goodness to the table with colorful veggies and lean protein. Perfect for family dinners or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe offers approachable steps and can even be frozen for future enjoyment. Share this culinary delight with friends and family!
4
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne pasta
12 ounces (uncooked)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into strips)
Red bell pepper
1 (cut into strips)
Broccoli florets
4 cups (small, fresh)
Prepared basil pesto
3/4 cup (store-bought or homemade)
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (for mixing and serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3
Add the chicken strips to the skillet and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Incorporate the red bell pepper strips and continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are tender.
4
In a colander, place the broccoli florets. Once the pasta is cooked, pour it over the broccoli in the colander to blanch and drain the vegetables simultaneously.
5
In the same large pot where you cooked the pasta, combine the drained penne and broccoli with the cooked chicken and red bell pepper.
6
Fold in the prepared basil pesto and freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring gently to ensure everything is well combined and evenly coated.
7
To freeze: Allow the dish to cool completely. Spoon the chicken and broccoli penne into airtight freezer containers, seal, label, and freeze for up to four months.
8
To serve: Thaw in the microwave or refrigerator. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until heated through. For an extra touch, sprinkle with additional freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
40g
Carbs
21.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Penne.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of uncooked penne pasta.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 1 lb of skinless chicken breast cut into strips.
What kind of oil should be used for sautéing?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How should the red bell pepper be prepared?
The red bell pepper should be cut into strips.
How much broccoli is needed for this dish?
The recipe requires 4 cups of small, fresh broccoli florets.
How much basil pesto is used?
You need 3/4 cup of prepared basil pesto, either store-bought or homemade.
How much parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese for mixing and serving.
How long should the penne pasta be cooked?
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes or until al dente.
How long do I sauté the chicken strips?
Sauté the chicken strips for about 3-5 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
How is the broccoli blanched?
Place the broccoli in a colander and pour the hot cooked pasta over it to blanch and drain simultaneously.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 21.25g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can this recipe be frozen for later?
Yes, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to four months.
How should I thaw the frozen meal?
Thaw the dish in the microwave or the refrigerator before reheating.
What is the oven temperature for reheating?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for reheating.
How long does it take to bake the dish when reheating?
Bake the dish for 30-35 minutes or until it is heated through.
What is the final step before serving the reheated dish?
For an extra touch, sprinkle with additional freshly grated parmesan cheese.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it is tagged as a meal prep and freezer-friendly recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, chicken, broccoli, pesto, meal prep, family dinner, freezer meal, and italian cuisine.
When should I add the red bell pepper to the skillet?
Add the pepper strips after the chicken has cooked for 3-5 minutes, then stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
In which pot should I mix the final ingredients?
Combine everything in the same large pot used to cook the pasta.
Does the recipe provide fiber or sugar information?
No, the fiber and sugar content are not specified in the current recipe data.
Can I use homemade pesto?
Yes, the recipe allows for either store-bought or homemade basil pesto.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The serving size is not explicitly defined, but the recipe makes 4 total servings.
Is this dish considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as Italian cuisine due to the use of pasta, pesto, and parmesan.