Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich pesto sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, delivering a delightful flavor in every cheesy bite. Customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your family?s taste preferences, and watch as everyone gathers around the table for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375?F (190?C) and prepare a large baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown (5-7 minutes per side).
- In a large bowl, combine drained pasta, broccoli florets, heavy cream, pesto sauce, and shredded cheese. Add cooked chicken, shredded or cubed.
- Transfer mixture to the baking dish; add reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg