Go Back

Creamy Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Delight

A hearty and wholesome casserole featuring creamy sauce, juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and flavorful pesto, perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Bake Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (like penne or fusilli)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with lower-fat cooking cream.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook the broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, pesto sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until coated evenly.
  4. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the mixture.
  6. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  7. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and enjoy your Creamy Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Delight fresh from the oven!

Notes

For serving, pair with a light side salad or garlic bread. Can substitute chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or roasted vegetables. Explore cheese variations like cheddar or gouda for different flavor profiles. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.