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Got leftover shredded chicken from your Sunday roast? This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pesto Pasta Bake is the perfect way to use it up. Creamy, cheesy, comforting and packed with protein, it’s a quick and easy midweek dinner the whole family will love.
It’s rich without being over-the-top, loaded with flavour from pesto and herbs, and baked until golden and bubbling.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Perfect way to use leftover chicken
- High-protein and filling
- Creamy, cheesy comfort food
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
This pasta bake is everything you want after a busy day — comforting, satisfying and simple to make. The pesto brings fresh, herby flavour, the broccoli adds texture and balance, and the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully. It’s ideal for feeding a hungry household and makes brilliant leftovers for lunch the next day.
Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pesto Pasta Bake
15 minutes
25 minutes
5
One Pan
Delicious Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pesto Pasta Bake Recipe
Ingredients
300g shredded chicken breast
250g rigatoni
85g cheddar cheese, grated
120ml single cream
125ml chicken stock
1 jar pesto
1 broccoli head, chopped
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 green chilli, finely chopped
1 tbsp Italian mixed herbs
Salt & black pepper
Instructions
Cook the base
Sauté onion, garlic, chilli and Italian herbs for 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant.Boil the pasta & broccoli
Boil broccoli for 10 minutes. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving a splash of pasta water.Create the sauce
Pour cream and chicken stock into the pan and simmer for 5 minutes.Combine everything
Add broccoli, shredded chicken and pasta. Stir in pesto and a splash of pasta water for extra creaminess. Season to taste.Bake
Transfer to an oven dish, sprinkle with grated cheddar and bake at 180°C for 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbling.Serve
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
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THE FULL MACROS READY FOR YOU
CALORIES | 619
UNDER 650 CALORIES PER SERVING (619 CALORIES).
PROTEIN | 30G
OVER 30G PROTEIN PER SERVING (30 GRAMS).
CARBS | 60G
UNDER 60G CARBS PER SERVING (60 GRAMS CARBOHYDRATES).
FAT | 28G
UNDER 30G FAT PER SERVING (2 GRAMS FAT).
FIBRE | 4G
OVER 4G FIBRE PER SERVING (4 GRAMS FIBRE).
Comforting, creamy and protein-packed — perfect for refuelling and satisfying hunger.
Why choose this Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pesto Pasta Bake Recipe?
HIGH PROTEIN RECIPE
EASY TO COOK IN ONE PAN
THE PERFECT COMFORT FOOD AFTER A LONG DAY
UNDER 650 CALORIES
Swaps & Upgrades
Use reduced-fat cheese for a lighter option
Add spinach for extra greens
Swap rigatoni for penne or fusilli
Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes — it works perfectly and saves time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely — assemble and refrigerate before baking.
Can I freeze pasta bake?
Yes — freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
Is this recipe spicy?
Mild — adjust chilli to your preference.
Can I make this lighter?
Use reduced-fat cheese and lighter cream options.
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More Recipes at Archer Kitchen
Thanks for stopping by Archer Kitchen by Rebecca Archer. Whether you’re here for quick weekday fixes, indulgent weekend treats, or to explore new flavours, we’ve got your back. Hungry for more inspiration? Dive into my collection of recipes and check out my cookbooks for exclusive tips, tricks, and flavour-packed dishes that’ll take your cooking game to the next level. Bookmark us, come back often, and let’s keep cooking up a storm together!
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