Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and al dente pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy pesto sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, ensuring delicious flavors that will delight your family and friends. With minimal prep time and customizable ingredients, it’s bound to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté seasoned chicken pieces in olive oil until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, pesto sauce, heavy cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Fold in cooked pasta, chicken, and blanched broccoli until well-coated.
- Pour into the prepared dish; top with additional Parmesan if desired. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
For added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with herbs on top before baking.
Marinate the chicken in pesto overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg