Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy Family Dinner Recipe
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy Family Dinner Recipe
This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in under an hour! Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant basil pesto come together in a rich, cheesy sauce that bakes to golden perfection. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
What makes this recipe special is how easily it adapts to your schedule. You can prepare it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining. The combination of creamy sauce, flavorful pesto, and melted cheese creates a dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add pesto, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until well combined and heated through. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy pesto chicken mixture. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown. For extra browning, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Expert Tips
For the best results, use high-quality pesto – either homemade or a good store-bought brand. The pesto is the star of this dish, so it’s worth investing in a flavorful option. If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breasts.
This pasta bake freezes beautifully! Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from frozen.
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. You can also add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
If you enjoy this creamy pasta dish, you might also love our Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta or our Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta for more delicious dinner ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of the best make-ahead meals. Prepare the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What type of pasta works best for baking?
Sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli work best because they hold up well to baking and hold the creamy sauce in their ridges and tubes.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes! This recipe works well with cooked sausage, ground beef, or even shrimp. For another delicious baked pasta option, try our Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Potato Broccoli Casserole.
How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Make sure to use enough sauce and don’t overbake. The pasta should be creamy and moist when it comes out of the oven. Letting it rest before serving allows the sauce to redistribute throughout the dish.
For more easy family dinner inspiration, check out our Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy Family Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to medium and add pesto, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until well combined and heated through. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy pesto chicken mixture. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown. For extra browning, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
