--- title: "Cozy Holiday Dinner: One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake" description: "This rich, creamy pesto chicken and broccoli pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food for holiday gatherings. Made in one pan with minimal cleanup, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights and festive dinners alike." author: "Elena Rossi" published: 2026-05-08T07:08:32.126Z updated: 2026-05-08T07:08:32.126Z category: "Seasonal & Holiday" tags: ["easy weeknight dinner", "creamy pesto chicken", "pasta bake", "broccoli casserole", "holiday dinner", "comfort food", "one pan meal"] url: https://cookingword.com/blog/cozy-holiday-dinner-one-pan-creamy-pesto-chicken-broccoli-pasta-bake --- # Cozy Holiday Dinner: One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake > This rich, creamy pesto chicken and broccoli pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food for holiday gatherings. Made in one pan with minimal cleanup, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights and festive dinners alike. ![Cozy Holiday Dinner: One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake](https://lgkck8gk4g8cowk4o4gkw8gg.my-contrast.com/api/media/ai-c0dca23c-06d3-4de2-abd1-8a0a62ea4f85.webp) ## Why This Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Is Your New Holiday Favorite When the holidays roll around, you want dishes that are both impressive and easy. This one-pan creamy pesto chicken and broccoli pasta bake delivers on both fronts. It’s loaded with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a luscious pesto cream sauce that bakes into bubbly perfection with a golden cheese crust. Best of all, it all comes together in a single skillet — less cleanup means more time enjoying the festivities. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or just want a cozy meal on a chilly night, this pasta bake will become your go-to. - [ ] 12 oz penne pasta - [ ] 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - [ ] 2 cups broccoli florets - [ ] 1 cup heavy cream - [ ] 1/2 cup chicken broth - [ ] 1/3 cup basil pesto - [ ] 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - [ ] 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - [ ] 2 cloves garlic, minced - [ ] 2 tbsp olive oil - [ ] Salt and black pepper to taste ## Recipe: One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake *Prep: 10 min · Cook: 25 min · Serves: 6* ### Ingredients - 12 oz penne pasta - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1/3 cup basil pesto - 1 cup shredded mozzarella - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tbsp olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste ### Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 3. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. 4. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, and pesto. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. 5. Stir in mozzarella and half of the Parmesan until melted and smooth. 6. Add cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce. 7. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top. Transfer skillet to the oven. 8. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. 9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. ### Nutrition Calories: 485 · Protein: 30g · Carbs: 42g · Fat: 22g > **RECIPE: Pro Tip for Best Results** > > For the creamiest sauce, use full-fat heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. ## Customization Ideas This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Swap the broccoli for spinach, kale, or peas. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. You can also substitute the chicken with cooked Italian sausage or keep it vegetarian with white beans. If you love a crispy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter over the cheese before baking. It adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta. ## Serving Suggestions Serve this pasta bake as the star of your holiday dinner alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette and warm garlic bread. A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the pesto beautifully. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to revive the creamy sauce. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Can I make this ahead of time?** A: Absolutely! Assemble the dish without baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 5–10 minutes to the bake time since it starts cold. **Q: Can I freeze this pasta bake?** A: Yes, freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes. **Q: What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?** A: No problem. Prepare the sauce in a regular skillet, then transfer everything to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish before baking. **Q: Can I use jarred pesto?** A: Yes, jarred pesto works great. For best flavor, choose a high-quality refrigerated pesto or make your own fresh basil pesto. ## A Holiday Dish Worth Celebrating This creamy pesto chicken and broccoli pasta bake brings all the comforting flavors of the holidays to your table with minimal fuss. It's cheesy, hearty, and packed with vibrant pesto goodness. Whether you're serving a crowd or just your family, this one-pan wonder will earn a permanent spot in your holiday recipe collection. Try it this season and watch it disappear — we promise there won't be leftovers!