Name: Chicken Pesto Spinach Bake (Meal Prep)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 6 chicken breasts (about 60 oz, raw, sliced or cubed); 3/4 cup pesto; 3 cups cottage cheese (Dairyland 4%); 8 oz fresh spinach; 6 oz shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tsp Italian seasoning

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Chicken Pesto Spinach Bake is the ultimate meal prep recipe—packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and ridiculously easy to make. Perfect for busy weeks!

Grilled chicken breast slices seasoned with herbs rest elegantly in a glass container on a woven mat. The addition of leafy greens and hints of pesto creates a fresh, appetizing presentation.

This single-serving chicken spinach pesto bake is a creamy, protein-packed recipe that is perfect for meal prepping.

With layers of tender chicken breast, savory pesto and gooey cheese, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week!

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!

Four stacked glass meal prep containers with blue lids rest on a white counter, each brimming with a vibrant chicken spinach pesto bake. A plant in a white pot adds a touch of life in the background against the tiled backsplash.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pesto Spinach Bake

If you’re looking for a meal prep recipe that’s not only delicious but also nutritious, this chicken Spinach Bake is a game-changer. It’s high in protein, creamy without being heavy, and bursting with garlicky pesto goodness.

Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and have meals ready to go whenever you need them. It’s the kind of meal prep that makes you excited to eat leftovers!

Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose, making every bite flavorful and satisfying:

Chicken breasts, raw – sliced or cubed, this lean protein base keeps the meal filling and satisfying.
Pesto – the star of the show, bringing bold basil and garlic flavors that pair perfectly with the chicken and cheese.
Cottage cheese – I like to use Dairyland 4%, it’s a creamy, high-protein addition that makes the dish extra rich and satisfying.
Fresh spinach, chopped – adds color, nutrients and a fresh balance to the richness of the cheese and pesto.
Shredded mozzarella cheese – melty and cheesy, creating that irresistible gooey topping.
Italian seasoning – a simple way to boost the flavor of the chicken and tie everything together.

Raw, seasoned chicken strips are placed on a parchment-lined baking tray, ready to be transformed into a delicious chicken pesto bake. The seasoning, along with the vibrant green spinach pesto, is evenly distributed across the pieces for a flavorful dish.

Instructions

1. Sprinkle the chicken with Italian seasoning and place it on a lined baking sheet.

Baked chicken tenderloins seasoned with herbs and spices are arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The tenderloins, part of a delightful chicken spinach pesto bake, boast a lightly golden appearance.

2. Cook in the oven at 350°F for 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow to cool.

A clear glass bowl brimming with fresh green spinach leaves, crumbled blue cheese, and creamy dressing sits on a light wooden surface. Complementing the enticing mix, a metal spoon awaits to serve up the chicken spinach pesto bake-inspired flavors within.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, cottage cheese, and pesto.

Four glass containers are filled with fresh spinach leaves, crumbled feta cheese, and a creamy dressing, reminiscent of a chicken spinach pesto bake. A mixing bowl with a spoon, containing remnants of the dressing, is partially visible in the corner.

4. Into each single-serve glass meal prep container, layer equal amounts of the spinach mixture.

Five glass containers filled with fresh spinach leaves and shredded cheese are arranged on a wooden surface, whispering of the chicken spinach pesto bake soon to come. A black kitchen scale peeks from the top left corner, poised for precision.

5. Top with mozzarella cheese.

Four glass containers filled with seasoned grilled chicken breasts on a bed of mixed greens and drizzled with a touch of spinach pesto, placed on a wooden surface.

6. Divide the cooked chicken between the containers.

Four glass meal prep containers with blue lids, filled with grilled chicken slices and a hint of spinach pesto bake, are neatly arranged on a wooden surface.

7. Place lids on and refrigerate for up to one week or store in the freezer for up to three months.

Chicken breasts seasoned with herbs nestle alongside a rich pesto in a glass dish inside an air fryer. The display reads COOL, with handy buttons for air fry and roast functions, creating a seamless cooking experience.

8. To cook (if frozen, defrost completely first), preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes or air fry for 5-8 minutes at 400°F.

A glass container cradles three pieces of seasoned, cooked chicken breast in an air fryer. This delectable chicken spinach pesto bake is topped with vibrant herbs and spices, showcasing a golden, textured appearance thats simply irresistible.

Tips & Tricks

Use high-quality pesto – Since pesto is a key flavor, opt for a good store-bought brand or make your own for extra freshness.
Chop the spinach – If you prefer a more even texture, give the spinach a rough chop before mixing it in.
Swap the cheese – Not a fan of cottage cheese? You can use ricotta for a smoother texture.
Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto mixture for a little heat.
Use meal prep containers with dividers – If you like your food separated, use containers with compartments to keep things fresh.
Freeze in portions – If freezing, store in single-serve containers so you can grab and reheat just what you need.

Glass containers filled with seasoned chicken breast fillets rest on a bed of spinach and grated cheese, infused with a hint of pesto. The dish is beautifully displayed on a wooden surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of cottage cheese?

Yes! If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, ricotta is a great substitute for a similar creamy texture, or you can go for cream cheese for an even richer taste.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Make sure not to overbake it! Using a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F will keep it juicy. You can also marinate it in a little olive oil and pesto before baking.

Can I use precooked chicken?

Yes! Using shredded rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breast cuts down on cooking time. Simply bake until the dish is heated through and the cheese is melted.

Can I freeze this dish?

Absolutely. Assemble the bake, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F, adding an extra 10-15 minutes.

What can I use instead of pesto?

If you’re not a fan of pesto, marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, or even a drizzle of olive oil with garlic work wonderfully.

This dish is low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein, making it ideal for a keto, low carb lifestyle. Meal prep has never been easier—or tastier. Enjoy your week with this protein-packed, pesto-filled deliciousness!

A couple more meal prep recipes that I am currently loving? These cottage cheese pizza bowls and this single serve zucchini lasagna – be sure to check them out!

Grilled chicken pieces seasoned with herbs in a glass dish, resting on spinach leaves. The image features a chicken pesto meal prep label and a website mention: homemadeheather.com.

The next time you’re craving something cheesy, comforting, and easy, give this single-serve cheesy chicken spinach bake a try. Pair it with a simple side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

If you love this chicken pesto spinach bake, please give it a five star rating and help me share it on Facebook or Pinterest. Happy cooking!