Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake
This Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake recipe is a creamy and cheesy baked pasta dish made with tender chicken, basil pesto, pasta, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks, this comforting casserole delivers rich Italian-inspired flavor with simple ingredients and easy preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 2 cooked chicken breasts or 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 12 ounces pasta
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups spinach
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, pesto, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add spinach and cook briefly until wilted.
- Combine the pasta with the pesto chicken mixture.
- Fold in cherry tomatoes and half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Transfer everything to a greased baking dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best for holding the creamy sauce.Rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient shortcut.Avoid overcooking the pasta before baking to keep the texture perfect.Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.A splash of milk or cream helps loosen the sauce when reheating leftovers.
Find it online: https://cookibly.com/chicken-pesto-pasta-bake/
