Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake
Indulge in a comforting Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake featuring tender pasta, juicy chicken, and aromatic basil pesto, enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta Cooked until al dente
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast Shredded or diced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup basil pesto Fresh pesto is recommended
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cheese Ingredients
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Reserve some for topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For topping
Garnish
- 1 bunch Fresh basil For garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with shredded chicken, basil pesto, heavy cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well coated.
- Gently fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, reserving a little for sprinkling on top.
Baking
- Pour the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown hue.
- Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh ingredients and consider adding vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach. Allow the bake to rest after cooking for easier serving.