Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy pesto sauce. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will satisfy the whole family. With its versatility, you can easily customize the ingredients based on your preferences, making it a go-to recipe for any meal. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated for leftovers, this pasta bake promises to deliver comfort and deliciousness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 cup creamy basil pesto sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper; sauté in a skillet until cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side). Allow to cool before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, heavy cream, and pesto; mix well until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top generously with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
Notes
Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain its texture.
Feel free to substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for variations.
Add spices like red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 100mg