Best 2 Pasta Chicken And Broccoli Pesto Toss Recipes

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Indulge your taste buds with a vibrant culinary creation: Pasta, Chicken, and Broccoli Pesto Toss. This delectable dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and al dente pasta, all harmoniously coated in a vibrant homemade pesto sauce. The pesto, crafted with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, adds a burst of aromatic complexity, complemented by a hint of garlic and a touch of lemon zest. This tantalizing dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a culinary adventure that promises satisfaction with every bite.

Alongside the main recipe, you'll also discover a versatile collection of accompanying recipes, each adding a unique dimension to your culinary journey. Dive into the art of crafting your own homemade pesto sauce from scratch, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful addition to your dish. Experiment with a variety of pasta shapes, from classic spaghetti to hearty penne, finding the perfect complement to the succulent chicken and broccoli. And for a zesty twist, explore the recipe for a tangy lemon-herb sauce, adding a refreshing brightness to the dish.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to create a delightful and memorable meal. With its detailed instructions, helpful tips, and inspiring recipe variations, you'll be able to whip up a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and embark on a flavorful adventure with Pasta, Chicken, and Broccoli Pesto Toss.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PESTO PASTA TOSS



Chicken and Broccoli Pesto Pasta Toss image

So quick and easy.. feel free to use different veggies. Zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, eggplant...whatever you have. Great way to use up leftovers.

Provided by little_wing

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups uncooked spiral shaped pasta (I like tri color)
2 cups cooked chicken breasts, diced
2 cups broccoli florets, cooked crisp-tender and cooled
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup basil leaves, lightly packed
2 garlic cloves
1 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted (can sub with finely chopped walnuts)

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to directions, drain and cool.
  • Combine pasta, chicken, broccoli and mozzarella.
  • Blend basil and garlic in blender or food processor until finely chopped.
  • Add mayo, lemon juice and salt.
  • Process to combine thoroughly.
  • Stir in Parmesan.
  • Mix with pasta.
  • Fold in nuts.
  • Best served room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 302.1, Fat 15.4, SaturatedFat 5.1, Cholesterol 51.5, Sodium 403.9, Carbohydrate 19.1, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 1, Protein 22.1

PASTA, CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PESTO TOSS



PASTA, CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PESTO TOSS image

Categories     Salad     Pasta

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
2 cups small broccoli florets, cooked crisp-tender, cooled
1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
1 cup mayonnaise (maybe slightly too much?)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pine nuts or coarsely chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • Cook pasta, drain and cool. Combine pasta, chicken, broccoli and mozzarella cheese in large bowl. Process basil and garlic in covered blender or food processor until finely chopped. Add mayo, lemon juice and salt. Stir in parmesan, add to pasta mixture, toss to coat. Stir in pine nuts. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate. For maximum flavor, remove from refrigerator and toss gently 30 min before serving.

Tips:

  • Prepare the Ingredients in Advance: Chop the chicken, broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes before starting to cook. This will save time and ensure that all the ingredients are ready when you need them.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, broccoli, and basil will give the dish the best flavor. If you can, try to buy organic ingredients whenever possible.
  • Don't Overcook the Chicken: Chicken can easily become dry and tough if it's overcooked. Cook it just until it's cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
  • Use Good Quality Pesto: The pesto is a key ingredient in this dish, so it's important to use a good quality one. Look for a pesto that is made with fresh basil, olive oil, and pine nuts.
  • Season to Taste: Be sure to taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.

Conclusion:

This pasta with chicken, broccoli, and pesto is a quick and easy weeknight meal that is packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and flavorful pesto is sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.

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