Description
A cozy, cheesy bake where tender chicken and al dente pasta swim in a rich pesto cream sauce, finished under a bubbly mozzarella crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus 1/4 cup for topping)
- 3.5 ounces baby spinach (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for two minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper; sauté until cooked through and lightly golden, about 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken to a bowl.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in heavy cream and milk, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in basil pesto and grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and spinach (if using), and toss until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, use half-and-half in place of heavy cream and milk. For a quicker option, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken pasta, pesto pasta, weeknight dinner, family-friendly