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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake - Easy Family Dinner Recipe

This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and melted cheese creates a dish that's both elegant and incredibly easy to make.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, basil pesto, and heavy cream. Stir until everything is well coated.
  4. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots. For extra browning, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
  6. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

For extra flavor, use homemade pesto if you have time. Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra vegetables. Make it ahead - assemble the bake and refrigerate until ready to cook. Use rotisserie chicken for even faster preparation. Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals later.