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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

A rich and cheesy baked pasta dish made with tender chicken, basil pesto, cream sauce, and melted mozzarella.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Bake
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or cubed
  • 1 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease baking dish.
  2. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain.
  3. Sauté garlic in olive oil.
  4. Add cream and broth. Simmer.
  5. Stir in pesto and seasonings.
  6. Combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, and sauce.
  7. Transfer to baking dish and top with cheeses.
  8. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep. Add vegetables for variation.