Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender chicken, nourishing broccoli, and pasta enveloped in a rich Alfredo and basil pesto sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, it makes a perfect family-friendly dinner that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Produce
- 2 cups broccoli florets (chopped)
- fresh basil for garnish
Proteins
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
Sauces & Dairy
- 1 ½ cups Alfredo sauce
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking to ensure they stay crisp-tender. Drain both and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta and broccoli with shredded or cubed chicken, Alfredo sauce, basil pesto, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Then gently fold in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to evenly distribute them through the mixture.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, is bubbly, and the top has a light golden color.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let it set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For convenience, use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding.
- Substitute with homemade or light Alfredo sauce to customize flavor and creaminess.
- Add extra vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and variety.
