Creamy Chicken-and-Broccoli Pesto Bow Ties

Ingredients

• 2 c. broccoli florets
• kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 bunch Fresh basil
• 2 clove garlic
• 1/4 c. olive oil
• 2 tsp. lemon zest
• 3 oz. Parmesan
• 4 oz. mascarpone or cream cheese
• 2 c. shredded rotisserie chicken
• 13 c. chopped toasted pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the broccoli in boiling salted water until tender, 5 minutes; remove to a bowl with a slotted spoon.
2. Add pasta to water and cook according to package directions; drain.
3. Process basil, garlic, oil, lemon zest, red pepper, and Parmesan in a food processer until finely chopped.
4. Add broccoli and pulse until coarsely chopped, 4 to 6 times.
5. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Stir broccoli pesto and mascarpone into pasta until well coated; fold in chicken.