Description
This flavorful creamy pesto chicken pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (about 10.5 ounces total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3.5 ounces baby spinach (optional, for extra nutrition)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions, ensuring it is just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sauté until cooked through and lightly golden, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and whole milk, then bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Mix in basil pesto and grated Parmesan, stirring until smooth and melted.
- Return cooked chicken, drained pasta, and spinach (if using) to the sauce. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Allow dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, Pasta Bake, Chicken Pasta, Pesto Recipe