Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a delightful meal that combines flavors and textures in one dish. It’s a great way to enjoy pasta with a twist of rich creaminess and aromatic basil from the pesto. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup pesto sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: cherry tomatoes, for garnish

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente; then drain it.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, pesto sauce, heavy cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over it.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with cherry tomatoes before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Serve this delicious pasta bake hot. You can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread. The melted cheese and creamy texture make it a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

How to Store Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Make sure to season your pasta cooking water with salt to enhance the flavor.
Feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option.
You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Variation

If you want to add a different twist, try using sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts in the mixture. You can also switch out the mozzarella for other cheese options like cheddar or provolone.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as fusilli, farfalle, or elbow macaroni.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

What if I don’t have pesto sauce?
You can make a quick homemade pesto with fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil, or substitute it with a store-bought alternative like Alfredo sauce for a different flavor.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Author: oumardaabdelali
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Poultry

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful meal that combines flavors and textures in one rich and creamy dish, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup pesto sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: cherry tomatoes, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente; then drain it.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, pesto sauce, heavy cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over it.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with cherry tomatoes before serving.

Notes

Make sure to season your pasta cooking water with salt for enhanced flavor. Leftover rotisserie chicken can be used for a quicker prep.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: creamy pasta bake, pesto chicken, easy dinner