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Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Creamy Weeknight Comfort Food

This pesto chicken pasta bake is the perfect weeknight hero recipe that combines creamy comfort with vibrant flavor, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. It's ideal for busy families looking for a satisfying dinner that comes together with minimal effort and delivers incredible flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. While pasta cooks, season diced chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Add minced garlic during last minute of cooking.
  3. Combine Everything: In large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked chicken, pesto, heavy cream, cherry tomatoes, and half of mozzarella cheese. Stir until well coated with creamy pesto sauce.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Transfer pasta mixture to 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and all Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Let pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

Notes

Choose pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni that hold sauce well. Don't overcook pasta since it continues cooking in oven. Can assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.