Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake: A Delightful and Easy Recipe

When it comes to quick, delicious, and comforting dinner ideas, a creamy pesto chicken and broccoli pasta bake is a perfect choice. This dish combines the richness of creamy pesto sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy broccoli, all baked together with pasta for a dish that’s hearty and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for a family gathering, this recipe will impress everyone at the table.

The Ingredients for Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

To make this creamy pesto chicken and broccoli pasta bake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common choice for this recipe. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a vibrant color and crunch to the dish. Broccoli is packed with nutrients, making it a healthy addition.
Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. These pasta shapes work well for a bake, as they hold the creamy pesto sauce beautifully.
Pesto Sauce: A rich and flavorful pesto sauce is the star of this dish. You can use store-bought pesto or make your own at home with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil.
Cream: To achieve a creamy consistency in your pesto sauce, heavy cream is added. It balances the flavors and adds richness.
Cheese: Shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are the perfect toppings for this bake, creating a cheesy and gooey layer on top.
Garlic and Olive Oil: These two ingredients will be used to sauté the chicken and bring out their savory flavors.

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the recipe!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

1. Prepare the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente since the pasta will continue to cook while baking. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the breasts. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder to enhance the flavor. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.

3. Blanch the Broccoli

While the chicken is cooking, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, just until they turn bright green. Drain the broccoli and set it aside.

4. Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add the pesto sauce and cream to the pan. Stir to combine, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sauce is thick and creamy. You can adjust the amount of cream depending on how creamy you want the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

5. Assemble the Pasta Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken pieces, blanched broccoli, and creamy pesto sauce. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce. Once everything is well mixed, transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish.

6. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. This will create a golden, cheesy crust when baked.

7. Bake the Pasta

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. You can also broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end to get an extra crispy, cheesy top.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once the creamy pesto chicken and broccoli pasta bake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Why This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is a Winner

Flavorful and Creamy Pesto Sauce The creamy pesto sauce is the heart of this dish. It’s rich, herby, and full of flavor, making it a perfect pairing with the chicken and broccoli. The combination of garlic, basil, and Parmesan adds a delicious depth to the overall dish.
Perfectly Balanced Meal The chicken adds lean protein, the broccoli offers fiber and vitamins, and the pasta provides comforting carbs. It’s a well-rounded dish that’s not only satisfying but also nutritious.
Easy and Quick Meal Idea This chicken broccoli pasta bake is a quick meal that comes together in under an hour. The preparation is simple and the result is a delicious dinner idea that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also easy to customize with your favorite pasta or vegetables.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved This dish is loved by both adults and kids alike. The creamy pesto sauce is mild and flavorful, making it a hit with picky eaters. Plus, the cheesy top is always a crowd-pleaser.
Make-Ahead and Leftover Friendly This pasta bake is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready to eat. Leftovers also reheat well, making it a perfect meal to enjoy the next day.

Customization Ideas for Your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

While the classic creamy pesto chicken and broccoli pasta bake is a winner on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your preferences.

Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables. Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini would work well in this dish.
Add More Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese to the dish. Gouda, cheddar, or ricotta would be great additions for extra creaminess and flavor.
Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the pesto sauce if you like a little heat in your dish.
Use Different Meat: If you prefer, you can swap the chicken for turkey, sausage, or even shrimp. The pesto sauce pairs well with a variety of proteins.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this pasta bake. Just be sure to check that the pesto sauce is also gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

This dish is filling and satisfying on its own, but you can serve it with a few simple sides to round out the meal:

Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery garlic bread is always a great accompaniment to a pasta dish. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra creamy pesto sauce.
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta bake and adds a light, refreshing element to the meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts make for a great side dish that pairs well with the flavors of the pesto chicken and broccoli pasta bake.

Conclusion

This Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a delightful, quick, and delicious dinner option that’s perfect for busy nights or family gatherings. With its creamy pesto sauce, tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and cheesy top, this dish checks all the boxes for comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or planning a larger family meal, this pasta bake will surely become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Try it today for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that everyone will love!