Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake, a delightful dish perfect for family dinners or weekly meal prep. This recipe features tender chicken breast and vibrant broccoli enveloped in a rich, creamy pesto sauce, all topped with bubbling mozzarella cheese. It’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and flavor to any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté broccoli for 3-4 minutes until tender, then stir in minced garlic.
- Whisk heavy cream and pesto together until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, sautéed broccoli, and creamy sauce; mix well.
- Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish; top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg