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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Easy Family Dinner Recipe

This comforting creamy pesto chicken pasta bake combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant basil pesto baked under a golden cheesy crust. Perfect for busy weeknights, it transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary family meal with Italian flavors and convenient one-pan preparation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 cup basil pesto
  • 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

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the pesto and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy pesto sauce in the skillet. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese until everything is well coated.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots. If you want a more browned top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
  7. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use high-quality pesto for best results. Cook pasta al dente since it continues cooking in oven. Can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Add cream cheese for extra creaminess. Leftovers reheat well with splash of milk or cream.