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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a flavorful, cheesy, and comforting dinner perfect for busy nights or meal prep!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces pasta penne or fusilli
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing the chicken
  • 2 chicken breasts diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 cup pesto sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of penne or fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts slightly and the tomatoes soften.
  • Lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of pesto sauce and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes to thicken.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated in the creamy pesto sauce with the veggies and chicken evenly distributed.
  • Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pasta bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  • Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to portion out.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Notes

  • Be careful not to overcook the pasta before baking; it will cook more in the oven.
  • Let the baked pasta rest after baking to thicken the sauce for easier serving.
  • For added flavor, sprinkle fresh basil or chopped parsley on top before serving.
  • You can add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day after flavors meld.