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Easy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – Big Batch Dinner for Friends

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This Creamy Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a cozy, cheesy dish made with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and herby pesto in a creamy sauce—baked until golden and bubbling.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, etc.)

  • 2–3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded

  • 2 cups broccoli florets

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1½ cups heavy cream or half-and-half

  • ½ cup pesto

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan

  • 2–3 tbsp cream cheese (optional)

  • 1½–2 cups shredded mozzarella

  • Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta to al dente, adding broccoli in last 2 mins. Drain.

  2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add cream and simmer.

  3. Stir in pesto, Parmesan, and optional cream cheese. Season.

  4. Mix pasta, chicken, broccoli, and sauce in a large bowl.

  5. Transfer to greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella.

  6. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 mins until bubbly. Broil for 2–3 mins to brown.

  7. Rest 5 mins, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve.

Notes

  • Great for meal prep—store up to 4 days.

  • Use gluten-free or low-carb pasta as needed.

  • Can be assembled ahead and frozen before baking.

Find it online: https://yumnexio.com/3370-2/