Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and rich mozzarella cheese into a satisfying dish. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this pasta bake is easy to prepare and delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. With its creamy sauce and wholesome ingredients like spinach, this dish not only comforts the soul but also nourishes the body. Whether you’re enjoying it on a weeknight or serving it at a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (6-8 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- Sauté fresh spinach in the same skillet for about 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- In a mixing bowl, combine basil pesto and heavy cream. Stir in cooked chicken, sautéed spinach, pasta, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg