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To make your Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake, you need these key ingredients: - 2 cups rotini pasta - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed - 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) These items create a tasty mix of flavors. The rotini holds the sauce well. Chicken adds protein, and broccoli brings nutrition. Pesto provides rich taste, while cheeses give creaminess. You can customize this dish with some fun add-ins or swaps: - Vegetables: Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini work great. - Proteins: Try cooked sausage or tofu for a different twist. - Cheeses: Swap mozzarella with gouda or cheddar for varied flavor. Feel free to get creative! Each choice can change the taste and texture. To make this dish, gather these tools: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Mixing bowl for combining ingredients - Baking dish (9x13 inches works well) - Spoon or spatula for mixing - Oven for baking Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Using a large pot helps cook the pasta evenly. A good baking dish ensures even heat. First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the dish cook evenly. Gather your ingredients: rotini pasta, cooked chicken, broccoli, pesto sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Also, get garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. These spices add flavor. You can also prepare a baking dish by greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil. This keeps the pasta from sticking. Next, cook the rotini pasta. Boil water in a pot and add the pasta. Follow the package instructions. Cook until it is al dente, which means it’s tender but still firm. Drain the pasta and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender. This usually takes about 3–5 minutes. Now, combine all your ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and pesto sauce. Sprinkle in garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well. Once combined, pour this mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top it with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure the cheese covers the pasta well. Bake for 25–30 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble. After baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool a bit. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your tasty, comforting meal! To make great pesto, start with fresh basil. Use about two cups of basil leaves. Add pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth. If you like, use walnuts or almonds instead of pine nuts. You can store pesto in the fridge for a week. Just cover it with olive oil to keep it fresh. For a perfect cheese melt, use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Shred the cheese yourself for the best texture. Spread the cheese evenly over the pasta. This helps it melt without burning. Bake it at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it cooks. You want it bubbly and golden, not too dark. Serve your Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake with a side salad. A simple green salad pairs well. You can also add garlic bread for extra comfort. For drinks, try a light white wine or sparkling water. Fresh basil and cherry tomatoes make great toppings. They add color and fresh flavor to each bite. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chicken for other meats. Try cooked turkey or shrimp for a change. If you want a plant-based option, use chickpeas or lentils. These alternatives keep the dish hearty and tasty. For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free rotini pasta. There are many brands available that taste great. To make it vegan, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use a vegan pesto and swap out the cheese for a dairy-free option. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal. Feel free to mix in seasonal veggies. Spinach or kale can add some green goodness. Bell peppers or zucchini can bring in extra flavor and color. This makes the dish even more nutritious and fun. Enjoy experimenting with what you have on hand! After you enjoy your pesto chicken broccoli pasta bake, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing it. This step helps keep moisture in check and flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warm all the way through. You can also use a microwave. Just place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway for even warmth. Freezing this dish is a great way to prep meals ahead. After cooking, let it cool fully. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date. You can freeze the pasta bake for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well. Just make sure to cook them until they are al dente. This keeps the pasta firm after baking. This dish lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best results. Make sure it cools completely before sealing. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Assemble it and cover it tightly. You can store it in the fridge for one day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold. This blog covered the essential ingredients and tools you need for a delicious pasta bake. We explored step-by-step instructions, tips for the best flavor, and how to customize dishes. Don't forget about storage and reheating tips to keep meals fresh. Remember, creating a great pasta bake is fun and easy. With a little practice, you can impress everyone with your cooking. Embrace your creativity and enjoy the process!

Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

Elevate your dinner game with this delicious Pesto Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake! This easy recipe combines rotini pasta, shredded chicken, and fresh broccoli with a creamy pesto sauce, topped with melted cheese for a satisfying meal everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's ready in just 45 minutes! Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a tasty dinner tonight. #PestoChicken #PastaBake #EasyDinner #HealthyRecipes
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rotini pasta

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup broccoli florets, steamed

1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, pesto sauce, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

        Grease a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

          Top the pasta with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

              Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

                Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4–6