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Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

A creamy, herby vegan casserole featuring plant-based “chicken,” pesto, and dairy-free mozzarella baked to golden perfection.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

  • Plant-Based “Chicken”: 12 oz vegan chicken strips chopped
  • Zucchini: 1 medium sliced into half-moons
  • Pesto: ½ cup vegan pesto store-bought or homemade
  • Vegan Mozzarella: 1 cup shredded
  • Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Onion: ½ cup finely chopped
  • Plant Milk: ¼ cup unsweetened almond or soy milk
  • Nutritional Yeast: 2 tbsp for extra cheesy vibe
  • Flour: 1 tbsp all-purpose optional, for slight thickening
  • Salt & Pepper: to taste
  • Fresh Basil: handful chopped for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease baking dish.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add vegan chicken and zucchini; cook 5 minutes until lightly browned.
  4. Stir in pesto, plant milk, nutritional yeast, flour, salt, and pepper until sauce thickens.
  5. Transfer mixture to baking dish, spreading evenly.
  6. Sprinkle shredded vegan mozzarella over the top.
  7. Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 310
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 14g

Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)

  • Calcium: 15%
  • Iron: 12%
  • Vitamin A: 18%
  • Vitamin C: 20%
  • Vitamin K: 30%

Additional Notes/Tips to Enhance Flavor

  • Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet-tangy twist.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
  • Swap zucchini for eggplant or bell peppers based on your mood.
  • Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a GF version.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully—just cover and warm for 10 minutes at 350°F.
Enjoy every golden, saucy bite—no chickens harmed, just pure plant-powered perfection!