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Ultimate Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake - Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food dinner that comes together in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly casserole combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant basil pesto in a rich, cheesy sauce that bakes to golden perfection.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the pesto, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and all the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  3. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. If your skillet isn't oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots. For extra browning, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

Always cook pasta al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time. Freezes well for up to 3 months.