Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy Family Dinner Recipe
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy Family Dinner Recipe
This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 45 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich pesto cream sauce topped with melted mozzarella. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
If you love easy pasta dishes, you’ll also enjoy our Ultimate Comfort Chicken Pasta with Smoky Garlic Butter for another delicious weeknight option.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium and stir in the pesto and heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine the cooked pasta with the pesto chicken mixture in the skillet. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden brown top if desired. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Expert Tips
- For extra flavor, toast the pasta in the oven for 5 minutes before boiling
- Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor, but store-bought works great too
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
This creamy pesto chicken pasta pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad like our Ultimate Refreshing Feta Mint Strawberry Salad for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bake up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well as their shapes hold the creamy sauce perfectly. For more pasta inspiration, check out our Ultimate Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Recipe.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with this pasta bake?
This dish is delicious with garlic bread and a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, try it with our Essential Lemon Rice Mediterranean Side.
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy Family Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium and stir in the pesto and heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the pesto chicken mixture in the skillet. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden brown top if desired. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
