The Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and pasta, all baked together with a layer of melted cheese. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, it comes together in no time and delivers rich, vibrant flavors everyone will love.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)

• 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

• Cherry tomatoes (halved)

• Spinach or kale

• Mushrooms (sliced)

• Bell peppers (diced)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, pesto sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.

4. Season and Add Optional Ingredients: Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper as needed. If using, add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or any other optional ingredients and mix them in.

5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.

6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.

7. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.

8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot.

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 500 kcal

• Total Fat: 30g

  • Saturated Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Protein: 30g

The Base: Pasta, Chicken, and Creamy Pesto Sauce

The foundation of the Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is built on a combination of pasta, chicken, and a creamy pesto sauce. Penne or rotini are great pasta choices because their shape allows them to hold onto the sauce, making each bite satisfying and flavorful. Cook the pasta just until al dente so it retains its texture after baking, as overcooking can result in mushy pasta once it’s combined with the creamy sauce.

The chicken adds a hearty protein element to the dish. Whether shredded or diced, cooked chicken works perfectly, and it pairs wonderfully with the creamy pesto sauce. The pesto sauce brings a burst of vibrant flavor to the dish, with its fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil creating a fragrant and savory backdrop. When mixed with heavy cream, the pesto sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy, enveloping the pasta and chicken in its rich, aromatic flavor.

Cheese: The Essential Topping

No pasta bake is complete without a generous topping of melted cheese, and this dish is no exception. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese adds both creaminess and a delightful, golden brown crust to the top of the bake. Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving the dish that gooey, stringy texture we all love, while Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory layer that enhances the overall flavor. Baking the dish until the cheese is melted and golden brown creates a delicious contrast with the creamy pasta underneath.

Adding Extra Vegetables and Flavor

One of the great things about the Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is its versatility. You can easily add extra vegetables to make the dish even more nutritious and colorful. Cherry tomatoes, when halved, add a burst of sweetness and juiciness that complements the rich pesto sauce. Leafy greens like spinach or kale provide a pop of color and a subtle earthy flavor, while mushrooms offer a meaty texture and depth of flavor. Bell peppers can also be included for a touch of sweetness and crunch. These optional add-ins not only make the dish more vibrant but also increase its nutritional value.

The Baking Process: Getting the Perfect Texture

After combining the pasta, chicken, pesto sauce, cream, and cheese, the mixture is transferred to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. It’s important to spread the mixture evenly in the dish to ensure the ingredients cook uniformly. The dish is then baked at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. Baking the pasta allows the flavors to meld together, and the cheese forms a rich, bubbly crust that adds both texture and flavor to each serving.

Garnishing and Serving

Once out of the oven, the Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is ready to be served. Garnishing the dish with fresh basil leaves adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note that complements the richness of the pesto sauce. The bright green basil provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta, and it adds a final touch of flavor to the dish.

Serve the pasta bake hot, either on its own or with a simple side salad or garlic bread. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but can also be paired with a light vegetable side to balance the richness of the pasta. The Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent, making it perfect for any occasion.

Nutritional Information and Considerations

While the Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is undeniably delicious, it’s also a rich dish, with each serving containing approximately 500 calories. The total fat content is 30 grams, with 15 grams of saturated fat, which is primarily from the cream, cheese, and pesto. It’s a hearty, comforting meal, so it’s perfect for a special occasion or a fulfilling family dinner.

For a lighter version, consider using lighter cream or reducing the amount of cheese. You can also increase the number of vegetables added to the dish to boost its fiber content and provide a more balanced meal. This pasta bake can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Conclusion

The Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect dish for those who want to enjoy a comforting, indulgent meal with minimal effort. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s rich in flavor and texture, with the creamy pesto sauce tying everything together. Whether you serve it on a busy weeknight or at a family gathering, this pasta bake is sure to please everyone at the table. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or add-ins for a personalized touch, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.