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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: A Comforting Family Favorite

A delicious Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta bake that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich cream sauce – a comforting family favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti) Use your favorite shape or swap with gluten-free pasta if needed.
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Can use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil For sautéing the chicken.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter Adds depth to the sauce.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Creates a fragrant base.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream For a rich sauce.
  • 1 cup Whole milk Balances the cream's richness.
  • 1/2 cup Basil pesto Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated) For authentic flavor.
For Adding Nutrition
  • 2 cups Baby spinach (optional) Boosts nutrition and color.
For Topping
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded) Creates a bubbly crust.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (for topping) Enhances the cheesy crust.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 6-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cooking for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Remove and let rest.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and milk, simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in basil pesto and Parmesan until smooth.
  5. Return chicken, pasta, and spinach (if using) to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the creamy sauce.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Perfectly cook the pasta just under al dente and consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers for flavor. This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.

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