Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that delivers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This hearty dish combines tender, juicy chicken with vibrant broccoli and al dente pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy pesto sauce. Baked to perfection, it creates a bubbly, golden crust that makes it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The best part? It’s quick to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. This Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake will quickly become a beloved staple in your household.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown on both sides (6-7 minutes per side). Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
- In a bowl, combine pesto with heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, sliced chicken, broccoli, and pesto mixture until evenly coated.
- Transfer to the baking dish, top with extra Parmesan if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (300g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg