Step 1: Prep (≈ 5 minutes): Cut the chicken into even cubes for quick, uniform cooking. Slice the broccoli into small florets so they cook in the same time as the pasta. If baking, preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or oven-safe pan; it holds heat evenly and won’t warp under high temperature.

Step 2: Cook Pasta & Broccoli (≈ 7–10 minutes): Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until about one minute shy of al dente. Two minutes before draining, toss in the broccoli so it blanches to bright green and tender-crisp. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Chicken (≈ 5 minutes): In the skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let it brown on one side before stirring. Cook until pieces are golden outside and no longer pink in the center. Avoid overcrowding; if the pan is small, cook in two batches to maintain that golden crust.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce (≈ 3–4 minutes): Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream, then whisk in pesto and Parmesan. Stir slowly until the sauce turns smooth and glossy. The smell of basil and garlic will fill the kitchen almost instantly. If the mixture seems too thick, thin it with a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water or chicken broth. For a hint of heat, add red pepper flakes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon — creamy but not heavy.

Step 5: Combine and Finish (≈ 2–3 minutes + optional bake): Add the drained pasta and broccoli directly into the sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Stovetop finish: Simmer another two minutes so flavors meld. Baked version: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with extra Parmesan, and bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.

Step 6: Serve Immediately: Spoon onto plates while hot. Finish with more Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. If the sauce thickens while sitting, loosen it with a splash of pasta water or broth. The result: tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, perfectly coated pasta, and a sauce that feels restaurant-quality without the fuss.