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Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake for Effortless Comfort Food

Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a cozy, creamy dish that's easy to prepare and satisfying for any dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Chicken
  • 12 oz Pasta Use any pasta shape you love; gluten-free options work well too!
  • 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Feel free to swap it for turkey or tofu.
For the Flavor Base
  • 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning Fresh herbs can offer a vibrant twist.
  • 1 tsp Paprika Adds warmth; feel free to leave this out if you prefer a lighter taste.
  • 1.25 tsp Kosher Salt Substitute with sea salt if desired.
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper Adjust according to your heat preference.
For the Sauce
  • 1-2 Tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Feel free to swap with neutral oil.
  • 3/4 cup Minced Shallots Substitute with yellow or red onions if needed.
  • 4 Garlic Cloves Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Add or omit based on your heat tolerance.
  • 1 cup Jarred Roasted Tomatoes Fresh or sun-dried tomatoes can work too.
  • 2-3 handfuls Fresh Baby Spinach Kale is a lovely alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Pesto Use homemade or your favorite store brand.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Light cream or a plant-based alternative can also be used.
For the Cheesy Topping
  • 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Grated Pecorino Romano makes a great substitute.
  • 3-4 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Substitute with a dairy-free mozzarella if needed.
  • Chopped Fresh Basil Can swap with parsley for a different flavor.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • oven-safe skillet
  • Measuring Cups
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water, drain pasta, and set aside.
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set it aside.
  3. Using the same skillet, add minced shallots and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
  4. Incorporate 1 cup of jarred tomatoes and 2 to 3 handfuls of spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.
  5. Pour in ½ cup of pesto and ½ cup of heavy cream, mixing well. Stir in pasta and gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce thickens.
  6. Add chicken back to the skillet and mix. Top with 3 to 4 ounces of torn mozzarella and remaining cheese.
  7. Preheat the broiler. Place skillet under it for 3 to 5 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden.
  8. Sprinkle fresh basil over the dish before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish is freezer-friendly and can be made ahead of time. Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

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