This Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is the perfect comfort meal, combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, and fresh broccoli in a rich, cheesy, and herbaceous pesto cream sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Pesto Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 g) pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the diced chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the pesto, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and pesto sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs (if using).
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a crispy topping, broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Pasta options: Use rigatoni, bowtie, or fusilli for variety.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or substitute with extra milk.
- Add more veggies: Mix in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Make ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Why This Recipe Works
The creamy pesto sauce coats the pasta perfectly, while the chicken and broccoli add protein and texture. The golden, cheesy topping creates a satisfying crunch, making this a well-balanced and flavorful dish.
Conclusion
This Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any night of the week. Whether for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this dish will become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and herby goodness! 🍽️✨