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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy Weeknight Meal

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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich pesto cream sauce, all topped with melty cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this bake promises big flavors and ultimate satisfaction.

Ingredients

  • boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • salt
  • pepper
  • olive oil
  • medium-sized pasta shapes (penne, rotini, or orecchiette)
  • butter
  • garlic (2-3 cloves, minced)
  • milk (1 cup) or heavy cream
  • cream cheese (4 ounces, softened)
  • basil pesto (½ cup)
  • shredded mozzarella cheese
  • grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to cool. Once cool, shred or dice the chicken.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, about 1-2 minutes less than al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside without rinsing.
  3. Build the Creamy Pesto Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in milk (or heavy cream) and bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to low, add cream cheese, and whisk until melted and smooth. Stir in basil pesto and season with salt and black pepper.
  4. Combine and Assemble: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce and fold together until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1-2 minutes for a deeper golden crust if desired.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or red pepper flakes if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: For ultimate creaminess, don't skimp on the cream cheese. Under-cook your pasta slightly to prevent mushiness. You can add extra veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.

Find it online: https://homebitesia.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-pasta-bake-easy-weeknight-meal/