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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake - Easy Family Dinner Recipe

This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich basil pesto sauce in one delicious baked dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers restaurant-quality results with minimal prep time and maximum flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 12 oz penne pasta or your favorite pasta shape
  • 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, pesto, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until everything is well coated.
  5. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
  7. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Use high-quality pesto for best flavor. Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Leftovers can be frozen before or after baking.