Description
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Rest and Serve: Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
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.