Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy Family Comfort Food Recipe
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy Family Comfort Food Recipe
This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your weeknight dinner table. With its creamy basil pesto sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy golden topping, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe requires minimal prep and bakes into a bubbly, golden masterpiece that feeds a crowd. It’s also an excellent make-ahead dinner option that tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
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: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Stir in the pesto, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Your creamy basil pesto sauce for this family-friendly casserole is now ready.
Step 5: Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy pesto chicken mixture. Transfer everything to a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 6: Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Expert Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the pasta bake up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking as directed.
- Pasta Choice: Penne works best, but rigatoni, ziti, or bowtie pasta also work well.
- Extra Creamy: Add 1/4 cup more cream if you prefer an extra creamy texture.
- Vegetable Addition: Add spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
This recipe pairs beautifully with other easy comfort food dinners that your family will love on busy weeknights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Use 2-3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version. Simply skip the chicken cooking step.
How long does this last in the fridge? Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your pesto and chicken broth are gluten-free.
What can I serve with this pasta bake? It’s perfect with a simple green salad or garlic bread. For more dinner inspiration, try our one-pan garlic butter chicken pasta for another easy weeknight option.
This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect solution for busy families seeking delicious, comforting dinners that everyone will enjoy.
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy Family Comfort Food Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the pesto, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy pesto chicken mixture. Transfer everything to a 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
