How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake in 30 Minutes

If you’re craving a comforting, satisfying meal that’s quick to make and loaded with flavor, this Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is your new go-to. With tender pasta, juicy chicken breast, fresh broccoli, and a rich creamy pesto sauce all baked under a layer of melted cheese, it’s the perfect all-in-one dish.

This recipe ditches pork and alcohol-based ingredients, instead leaning on bold basil pesto, garlic, and simple seasonings to bring rich flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or make-ahead weekend meal, this pasta bake fits the bill. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, customizable, and guaranteed to impress without much effort.

Why You’ll Love This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake

There’s so much to love about this easy pasta bake! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein and veggies in every bite. The broccoli adds a fresh crunch, the pesto gives it herby brightness, and the gooey mozzarella topping ties it all together.

Perfect for families, picky eaters, or meal preppers, this dish is comforting yet balanced. It’s also flexible—go gluten-free, use a dairy-free sauce, or swap veggies based on what you have. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a wholesome dinner that makes everyone happy.

What You’ll Need

To make this Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake, you’ll need just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Everything is easy to find, and you might already have most of it at home:

Ingredients:

• Chicken Breast (2 cups, cooked & cubed) – Lean and protein-packed. You can also use rotisserie chicken.
• Broccoli Florets (2 cups) – Fresh or frozen, lightly steamed for best texture.
• Pasta (12 oz) – Penne, rotini, or shells work great. Cook al dente.
• Pesto Sauce (¾ cup) – Use store-bought or homemade basil pesto (no wine or bacon!).
• Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Adds richness; swap with half-and-half if preferred.
• Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups shredded) – Melts beautifully for a gooey top layer.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup grated) – For added sharpness and depth.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Fresh and aromatic.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – To sauté the garlic and chicken.
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)
• Panko Breadcrumbs (½ cup) – For a crunchy topping; optional but recommended.

This recipe is pork-free, wine-free, and adaptable to gluten-free or dairy-free diets with the right swaps. You can also throw in other vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutrition.

How to Make creamy pesto chicken pasta bake

Making this dish is easy—even on a busy night. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure creamy, cheesy perfection every time:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Steam Broccoli until bright green and tender-crisp, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cups cooked chicken and 2 cloves minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (2–3 minutes).
5. Make Sauce: Add ¾ cup pesto and 1 cup heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until well combined and warm. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine: In a large bowl, mix pasta, broccoli, chicken-pesto mixture, and 1 cup mozzarella. Pour into the baking dish.
7. Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, and optional ½ cup panko breadcrumbs.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
9. Rest & Serve: Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

This easy method ensures every bite is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—no complicated steps, no alcohol, no pork.

You Must Know

Before you dive in, here are key tips for success:

• Cook pasta al dente – It keeps its shape after baking.
• Use quality pesto – A good basil pesto brings fresh, bold flavor.
• Steam broccoli just right – Tender-crisp is best to avoid mushiness.
• Taste before salting – Pesto and cheese are already salty.
• Pre-cooked chicken saves time – Make sure it’s plain and not marinated with wine or bacon.

Following these basics ensures a creamy, flavorful bake every time.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Want that golden, bubbly finish? Here’s how:

• Mix some cheese in, some on top for gooey bites and melty topping.
• Add a crunchy topping – Panko mixed with olive oil gives the perfect crisp.
• Balance your sauce – Too thick? Add cream. Too thin? More cheese.
• Let it rest after baking for 5–10 minutes to set up properly.
• Use center rack in oven for even browning and cooking.

These simple tweaks make all the difference in flavor and texture.

Add Your Touch

This pasta bake is easy to customize to your taste or pantry:

• Swap the protein – Try shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled turkey, or even plant-based chicken strips.
• Change the veggies – Broccoli’s great, but spinach, zucchini, or peas also work well.
• Go dairy-free – Use unsweetened oat or almond cream and dairy-free cheese for a lighter version.
• Spice it up – Add crushed red pepper or a spoonful of garlic chili paste for heat.
• Boost flavor – Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a flavor twist.

The base recipe is flexible—get creative with your favorite ingredients!

Storing & Reheating

This dish stores and reheats like a dream:

Next up, a dish that’s just as creamy and comforting.

• To Store: Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• To Freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe container, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake covered at 350°F until hot. Add a splash of cream or milk if it looks dry.

Tip: For best results, reheat in the oven to keep the top crispy and the inside creamy.

Chef’s Helpful Tips FOR creamy pesto chicken pasta bake

These pro tips will help your pasta bake turn out perfectly every time:

Turn up the flavor with this bold and easy dish.

• Cook pasta just until al dente – It keeps the texture after baking.
• Don’t skip resting time – Let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes after baking to set and thicken.
• Layer wisely – Mix cheese into the pasta and reserve extra for the top to get that bubbly crust.
• Use fresh broccoli when possible for better texture and flavor.
• Prep ahead – Assemble the dish the night before and bake when ready to eat.

Simple adjustments like these make a big difference in flavor, texture, and ease.

FAQ FOR creamy pesto chicken pasta bake

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and steam lightly before adding to avoid extra moisture.

What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells holds the sauce well and bakes evenly.

Add this reader-favorite recipe to your dinner rotation.

Can I make it ahead?
Definitely. Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when needed.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

What’s a good pesto alternative?
Try sun-dried tomato pesto or a dairy-free pesto for a different twist.

Conclusion

This Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is everything a comforting dinner should be—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, all while being easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, fresh broccoli, and a velvety pesto cream sauce, every bite is satisfying and full of goodness.

It’s the kind of dish that becomes a household favorite. Whether you’re feeding a family, preparing a make-ahead freezer meal, or simply craving something hearty and delicious, this recipe delivers. Plus, with no pork or alcohol-based ingredients, it’s family-friendly, wholesome, and flexible for many dietary needs.

Feel free to customize it to your liking—switch up the veggies, tweak the cheese, or add some spice. This dish is a blank canvas that welcomes creativity. The result? A bubbling, cheesy pasta bake that you’ll come back to again and again.

Now that you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to grab a baking dish and bring this delicious meal to life. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing—enjoy every forkful!