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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake (The Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner Guide)

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake (The Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner Guide)
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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a warm, comforting oven-baked dish loaded with tender chicken, pasta, and a rich basil pesto cream sauce, all topped with bubbly golden mozzarella. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that feels special but comes together with simple ingredients. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta & Chicken

  • 10.5 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Creamy Pesto Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons heavy cream

  • ½ cup whole milk

  • ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 3.5 oz baby spinach (optional, for extra nutrition)

Topping

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook pasta

Boil pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions so it stays slightly firm. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat.

4. Make the creamy pesto sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream and milk, simmering gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add pesto and Parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine

Add cooked chicken, drained pasta, and spinach (if using) to the sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly.

6. Assemble

Transfer mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and extra Parmesan evenly on top.

7. Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

8. Rest and serve

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the sauce set.

Notes

  • Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.

  • Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for extra veggies.

  • For a lighter version, swap half-and-half for heavy cream.

  • Rotisserie chicken works great to save time.

  • Letting the dish rest before serving helps thicken the sauce.

Find it online: https://chocotune.com/creamy-pesto-chicken-pasta-bake-the-ultimate-comfort-food-dinner-guide/