Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a heartwarming, flavorful casserole-style meal that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, vibrant pesto, and gooey melted cheese. This easy and comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. Whether you keep it classic or load it up with veggies, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

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

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon 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 just until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Mix the Filling:
   In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, pesto, heavy cream, garlic powder, and half the mozzarella. Mix well.

4. Season:
   Taste and season with salt and pepper. Add any optional vegetables now, if using.

5. Assemble the Bake:
   Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.

6. Add the Cheese Topping:
   Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

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

8. Garnish and Serve:
   Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: ~500 kcal
Fat: ~30g
Saturated Fat: ~15g
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Protein: ~30g

This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake is rich, flavorful, and versatile—perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping for the week. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

The Appeal of Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake: A Perfect Balance of Flavors

This pasta bake is the epitome of comfort food, offering the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what makes it stand out:

1. Tender Chicken: The chicken in this dish can be either shredded or diced, making it easy to use leftover chicken or freshly cooked chicken breast. The tender chicken absorbs the creamy pesto sauce, adding a protein-packed base to the dish.

2. Pesto Sauce: Pesto brings a burst of fresh flavor to the dish, thanks to its vibrant mix of basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. The pesto blends seamlessly with the heavy cream to create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

3. Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: The gooey mozzarella melts perfectly over the pasta bake, creating a cheesy, golden top. The Parmesan adds an extra layer of flavor, offering a sharp, nutty contrast to the creamy ingredients.

4. Customizable Vegetables: This dish is versatile, allowing you to add in vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also bring extra nutrients and color to the dish.

5. Easy to Make and Bake: This pasta bake is as easy to assemble as it is delicious. The filling is mixed in a large bowl, poured into a baking dish, topped with cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden brown. The result is a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Key Ingredients: What Makes Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Special

The ingredients for this pasta bake are simple yet full of flavor, making it easy to create a delicious and satisfying dish. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components:

1. Cooked Pasta: Penne or rotini work well in this recipe because their spiral or tube shapes help hold the creamy sauce. You can use any pasta shape you prefer, but these are great for trapping the sauce and ensuring every bite is flavorful.

2. Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken is the protein base of the dish. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or cook fresh chicken breast for convenience.

3. Pesto Sauce: You can use store-bought pesto or make your own. Fresh pesto brings a vibrant, herbaceous flavor to the dish, complementing the creaminess of the sauce.

4. Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is what makes the sauce creamy and indulgent, providing a rich, velvety texture that perfectly complements the pesto.

5. Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are essential to this dish. The mozzarella creates a gooey, cheesy layer on top, while the Parmesan adds a savory, umami flavor to the sauce.

6. Garlic Powder: Garlic powder enhances the flavor of the pesto and chicken, adding depth to the overall dish.

7. Seasoning: Salt and pepper help balance the flavors, while optional add-ins like fresh basil leaves give a pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Making this creamy, cheesy pasta bake is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to prepare it:

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 it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside.

3. Mix the Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, pesto sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated and mixed.

4. Season:

• Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you’re adding vegetables like spinach, kale, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes, mix them in at this stage.

5. Assemble the Bake:

• Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.

6. Add the Cheese Topping:

• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.

7. Bake:

• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.

8. Garnish and Serve:

• Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or extra Parmesan if desired, and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a hearty, flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for pairing:

1. Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce and add a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.

2. Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing, crisp contrast to the richness of the pasta bake. Consider arugula, spinach, or mixed greens for added freshness.

3. Steamed Vegetables: Pair the pasta bake with steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a nutrient-packed side.

4. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant complement the flavors of the pasta and add a smoky, savory element to the meal.

For drinks, a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy pesto. Alternatively, a refreshing sparkling water with a slice of lemon can help balance the richness of the dish.

Conclusion: A Comforting and Versatile Dish

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a perfect blend of rich, creamy, and savory flavors. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, pesto sauce, and melted cheese makes for a truly comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or as a make-ahead meal, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The dish is versatile, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition. With its cheesy goodness and vibrant pesto flavor, this pasta bake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!