Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Name: Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups rotini pasta; 1 cup broccoli florets; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup creamy pesto sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Savor the delightful blend of pasta, broccoli, and tender chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy pesto sauce. This comforting pasta bake is a perfect weeknight dinner, combining hearty ingredients that the whole family will love. Topped with melty cheese and baked until golden, it offers a symphony of flavors in every bite. Simple to prepare and packed with nutrition, this dish also makes for excellent leftovers—ideal for lunch or dinner the next day!

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2025-11-25T07:18:16.901Z

This creamy pesto chicken and broccoli pasta bake is a family favorite that comes together quickly and easily. Perfect for busy weeknights, it ensures that you can enjoy a delicious and hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

After a long day, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. This Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake simplifies your evening meal prep. With just a few key ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a delicious, satisfying dinner on the table in less than an hour. It's not just quick; it's also a great way to bring everyone together around the dinner table to enjoy a comforting meal.

Moreover, the dish is incredibly versatile. Depending on what you have on hand, you can easily substitute or add other vegetables or protein sources. This means you can tailor the bake to your family's preferences or dietary needs, making it a go-to recipe for any busy weeknight.

A Nutrient-Packed Delight

Not only is this pasta bake delicious, but it also packs a nutritional punch. Broccoli adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a well-balanced meal. The inclusion of shredded chicken provides lean protein to help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Coupled with the creamy pesto sauce, you'll be enjoying a dish that's as wholesome as it is delightful.

Additionally, you can enhance the health factor by using whole-grain pasta or adding other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. This flexibility allows you to increase the nutritional content while still enjoying the rich flavors that make this dish so beloved.

Great for Leftovers

One of the best aspects of this Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is how well it holds up as leftovers. In fact, the flavors continue to meld together, often tasting even better the next day. This makes it an ideal meal prep option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and you're ready to go.

Reheating is a breeze, too! Simply pop individual servings in the microwave or bake it in the oven for a few minutes to refresh that gooey cheese and creamy sauce. You'll enjoy the same comforting flavors with each bite, making meal times stress-free even when you're busy.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups rotini pasta
1 cup broccoli florets
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup creamy pesto sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Make sure all ingredients are prepared before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the pasta

In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets in the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Mix the ingredients

Drain the pasta and broccoli, then return to the pot. Stir in the shredded chicken and creamy pesto sauce until well combined.

Transfer to a baking dish

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

To ensure your pasta turns out just right, be sure to follow the package instructions closely. Cooking it to al dente means the pasta will hold up better when baked and prevent it from becoming mushy. Adding the broccoli florets in the last couple of minutes allows them to soften without losing their vibrant green color and nutrients.

If you're looking to enrich the flavor, consider adding some grated Parmesan or a splash of lemon juice to the creamy pesto sauce. These small adjustments can elevate the taste profile, making your dish even more delectable.

Substituting Ingredients

Feel free to adapt the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have in the pantry. For instance, if you don’t have chicken, using turkey or a plant-based protein can work wonderfully. Similarly, if you're not a fan of rotini pasta, any short pasta shape will do the trick.

You can also experiment with different sauces. A sun-dried tomato pesto or a roasted red pepper crema could add exciting variations to your dish while maintaining its creamy quality.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve this pasta bake with a side salad dressed in light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will balance the richness of the dish and provide additional nutrients. A crusty piece of garlic bread would pair beautifully, making your dinner feel extra special.

You can also consider complementing the bake with a glass of white wine or a refreshing sparkling water infused with citrus. These beverages will enhance your dining experience, making a simple weeknight dinner feel more elevated.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shape!

→ Is the dish freezable?

Absolutely! You can freeze it before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready.