Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
Indulge in the comforting goodness of Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake, where tender chicken meets zesty pesto sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Baked to golden perfection, this dish transforms any weeknight dinner into a culinary celebration. It’s not only easy to prepare but also customizable with your favorite vegetables or cheeses, making it a versatile option for family gatherings or meal prep. Experience an unforgettable flavor adventure that will surely become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup high-quality pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup plain or seasoned breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove from heat and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sliced chicken, pesto sauce, heavy cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese and sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of bake (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg