Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy Family Dinner Recipe

This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken, aromatic basil pesto, and melted cheese for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cleanup.

If you love creamy chicken pasta dishes, you’ll adore this baked version that takes the flavors to the next level. The oven-baking method creates a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside perfectly creamy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ 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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: 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 6-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning during the last minute of cooking.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, basil pesto, and heavy cream. Stir until everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, spreading evenly.

Step 5: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden brown top. For extra browning, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Expert Tips

For the best results, use high-quality basil pesto – either homemade or a good store-bought brand. The pesto is the star of this dish, so don’t skimp on quality! If you’re looking for more easy weeknight pasta recipes, this baked version is a fantastic addition to your rotation.

You can prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling everything in the baking dish, covering with plastic wrap, and refrigerating for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and proceed with Step 5.

For a complete meal, serve this pasta bake with a side of garlic Parmesan roasted green beans or a fresh green salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne works great because the ridges hold the sauce well, but you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The pasta may absorb some sauce, so you might want to add a splash of cream when reheating.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach. You’ll still get that delicious pesto flavor in every bite.

This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake is perfect for those nights when you want something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s family-friendly, easy to customize, and always delivers on flavor. For more cheesy pasta recipes that the whole family will love, check out our collection of comfort food favorites!

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy Family Dinner Recipe

This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, aromatic basil pesto, and melted cheese for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ 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). Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 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 6-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning during the last minute of cooking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, basil pesto, and heavy cream. Stir until everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, spreading evenly.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden brown top. For extra browning, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Use high-quality basil pesto for best results. Can be prepared ahead by assembling and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking. For vegetarian version, omit chicken and add vegetables like tomatoes, mushrooms, or spinach.