This Creamy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a warm hug in a dish! It’s made with tender chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and pasta, all baked to perfection. Yum!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip this up after a long day. Honestly, I can’t resist sneaking a bite right from the baking dish! Who can blame me? 😄
This dish is the ultimate comfort food for busy nights, and it always makes enough for leftovers. Perfect for lunch the next day, right? Delicious and simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This is my favorite shape for this bake! It holds onto the sauce really nicely. If you don’t have penne, you can swap it with rigatoni, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean option. However, rotisserie chicken works great too if you’re short on time, just shred it and mix it in!
Basil Pesto: Store-bought is super convenient. If you want to make your own, blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. You can also use spinach or arugula for a different flavor!
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich texture, but you can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy cream like coconut milk if you’d like a lighter option.
Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, experimenting with different cheeses can be fun! Try adding cheddar or gouda for a unique twist.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but it’s essential to avoid dryness! Here are a few steps to help achieve tender chicken:
- Cut the chicken into even bite-size pieces for consistent cooking.
- Use medium heat to allow the chicken to cook through without browning too quickly.
- Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center (an internal temp of 165°F or 75°C).
Remember to season well with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Adding garlic near the end prevents it from burning, giving a lovely aroma without bitterness.
Creamy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Components:
- 3 cups penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1½ cups basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy basil pesto chicken pasta bake will take about 15 minutes of prep time and roughly 25 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes, and then you’re ready to enjoy a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish so that your pasta bake doesn’t stick.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Boil a pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until it’s al dente—follow the instructions on the package for timing. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This will ensure that your pasta is perfectly cooked!
3. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until they’re golden brown, which should take about 6-8 minutes. In the last minute of cooking, toss in the minced garlic and give it a quick sauté until it’s fragrant—this makes everything taste wonderful!
4. Mix Everything Together:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, and heavy cream. Mix everything together so that every piece is evenly coated in that delicious sauce!
5. Transfer and Top:
Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. This will create a beautiful, cheesy crust when baked!
6. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake it uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the layers to settle a bit. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped basil leaves on top for garnish. It adds a pop of color and extra flavor.
There you have it! This delicious creamy basil pesto chicken pasta bake is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. It’s comforting, cheesy, and full of flavor. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne pasta is a great choice, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so it doesn’t get overcooked!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can add a splash of cream to moisten it if needed!
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pasta bake! Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly.
What Can I Serve This With?
This pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a delightful meal. A side of steamed vegetables would also complement it nicely! Enjoy!
