Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – Ready in 30 Minutes!
This creamy pesto chicken and broccoli pasta bake is the ultimate quick weeknight dinner. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich pesto cream sauce, it's a one-pan meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy families!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
When you need a comforting dinner that's on the table fast, this creamy pesto chicken pasta bake is your answer. It's rich, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and fresh broccoli — all tossed in a luscious pesto cream sauce. The best part? It's all made in one pan, so you spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the fuss.
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
🥕Ingredients
Tap to check off as you go
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
📋Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 3
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 4
In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and a splash of water. Cover and steam for 2 minutes until bright green. Remove broccoli and set aside.
- 5
Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits. Stir in the pesto. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- 6
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the creamy pesto sauce.
- 7
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- 8
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
- 9
Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- •Use an oven-safe skillet to minimize dishes. If you don't have one, transfer everything to a baking dish.
- •Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for variation.
- •To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your pesto is certified GF.
Nutrition per serving
Pro Tip for Extra Creaminess
For an even creamier sauce, stir in 2 ounces of cream cheese along with the heavy cream. It melts smoothly and adds a velvety richness that takes this dish over the top.
Customization Ideas
This recipe is incredibly versatile. If you're not a fan of chicken, try using cooked Italian sausage or shrimp instead. You can also swap the broccoli for spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. And if you love extra cheesiness, add a handful of provolone or gouda on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, but you can round it out with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and a side of crusty garlic bread. A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the pesto and cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake is the definition of comfort food made easy. It's cheesy, satisfying, and packed with flavor — all in under 30 minutes. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a staple. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!
Written by
Elena RossiI'm Elena, a home cook turned recipe developer. At cooking word, I share simple, seasonal dishes inspired by my Italian roots and busy life.
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