Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake – A Comforting Family Favorite

When comfort food meets freshness, you get Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake — a hearty, creamy, and flavor-packed dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, al dente pasta, and a luscious pesto cream sauce creates a dish that is as satisfying as it is wholesome.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to prepare, bake, and serve this irresistible pasta casserole. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is bound to become your go-to creamy pesto chicken and broccoli pasta bake recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich & Creamy: The velvety pesto cream sauce coats every piece of pasta and chicken.
Nutrient-Packed: With lean chicken and fresh broccoli, you get protein, fiber, and essential vitamins in every bite.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead, refrigerate, and simply bake when ready.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: A guaranteed hit at potlucks and family dinners.

Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Here’s everything you’ll need for this creamy, cheesy, and herby pasta bake.

Main Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best)
2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
3 cups (270 g) broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
½ cup (120 g) basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Sun-dried tomatoes for tangy sweetness
Baby spinach for extra greens

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this recipe as easy as possible, have these tools ready:

Large saucepan for cooking pasta
Large skillet for preparing the sauce
Baking dish (9×13 inch / 23×33 cm)
Mixing spoons and spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater (if grating fresh cheese)

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Follow these steps to achieve the perfect creamy pesto chicken and broccoli pasta bake every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente texture. In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pasta water. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Reduce heat slightly and add pesto. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well blended. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

Add cooked chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat. Fold in drained pasta and broccoli, ensuring everything is evenly covered in the creamy pesto sauce.

Step 6: Assemble the Bake

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or extra Parmesan for a restaurant-style finish.

Helpful Tips for Making the Best Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Undercook the pasta slightly before baking — this prevents it from becoming mushy.
Use rotisserie chicken for a faster preparation without sacrificing flavor.
Homemade pesto adds a fresh, vibrant taste compared to store-bought versions.
Make it ahead — assemble the pasta bake up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Add crunch by topping with buttered breadcrumbs before baking.
Freeze for later — wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Value (Approximate, per serving – Serves 6)

Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fat: 22 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 620 mg

(Values will vary based on exact ingredients used.)

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pesto chicken and broccoli pasta bake pairs beautifully with:

Garlic bread or warm baguette slices
Mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers

Variations to Try

Low-Carb Version: Swap pasta for cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check pesto ingredients for gluten.
Extra Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, peas, or spinach to the sauce.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in ricotta or cream cheese for an even creamier texture.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Why This Dish Works for Busy Families

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can use leftover chicken, swap vegetables based on what’s in season, or adjust the creaminess to your liking. It’s a wholesome, one-dish meal that saves you time and pleases every palate at the table.

Conclusion

The Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake isn’t just a recipe — it’s a comforting embrace in the form of food. With its harmonious blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli, this dish has all the makings of a family classic. Easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and downright delicious, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.

Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake | Easy Family Dinner Recipe