Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of basil pesto, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate that warms the soul. Originating from the heart of Italian cuisine, pesto has been a beloved staple for centuries, celebrated for its vibrant flavor and versatility.

People adore this dish for its incredible taste and texture. The creamy sauce melds beautifully with the nutty notes of the pesto, while the chicken adds a satisfying protein boost. Plus, the convenience of a pasta bake means you can prepare it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds!

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Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of penne pasta
• 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup of pesto sauce
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Pasta

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
3. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Make sure to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.

Preparing the Chicken and Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
3. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the pesto sauce, heavy cream, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth.
5. Pour the pesto mixture into the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Stir to combine everything evenly.
6. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the chicken and pesto sauce mixture. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
2. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the mixture and fold them in carefully to avoid breaking them.
3. Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Topping the Bake

1. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
2. Then, add the rest of the grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Baking the Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Once the oven is preheated, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. For an extra crispy top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Serving the Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

1. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the sauce set a little.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.
3. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight with your family and friends!

Storage and Reheating Tips

1. If you have leftovers, allow the pasta bake to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

Variations and Additions

• For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or

  

  Conclusion:

  If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and ease of preparation, then this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is an absolute must-try! The creamy texture of the sauce, paired with the vibrant flavors of pesto and tender chicken, creates a delightful meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Not only is it delicious, but it also comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner with family and friends.

  For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this pasta bake with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving can elevate the flavors even further. If you want to add a bit of crunch, consider serving it with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.

  As for variations, feel free to get creative! You can easily swap out the chicken for cooked shrimp or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option. Adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives can introduce a delightful tanginess that complements the pesto beautifully. If you’re a fan of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to the dish. The beauty of this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is its versatility, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste preferences.

  I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings to your dining table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your experience with me! I would love to hear how your version turned out and any unique twists you added. You can share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on social media.

  So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of creamy goodness. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake, it will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Happy cooking!

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  Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

  This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake features tender penne pasta, shredded chicken, and a rich pesto cream sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It's a comforting and delicious dish, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

  Prep Time15 minutes

  Cook Time30 minutes

  Total Time45 minutes

  Category: Easy Dinners

  Yield: 6 servings

  Save This Recipe

  Ingredients

  • 8 ounces of penne pasta
  • 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup of pesto sauce
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

  Instructions

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
  2. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Make sure to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
  4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
  6. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
  7. In a mixing bowl, combine the pesto sauce, heavy cream, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth.
  8. Pour the pesto mixture into the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Stir to combine everything evenly.
  9. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  10. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  11. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the chicken and pesto sauce mixture. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
  12. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the mixture and fold them in carefully to avoid breaking them.
  13. Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  14. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
  15. Then, add the rest of the grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
  16. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  17. Once the oven is preheated, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  18. For an extra crispy top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
  19. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the sauce set a little.
  20. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor.
  21. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight with your family and friends!

  Notes

  • If you have leftovers, allow the pasta bake to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.