Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich basil pesto cream sauce, all topped with a gooey layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, this baked pasta will quickly become a favorite on your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until browned (6-8 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- Sauté spinach in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- In a bowl, mix basil pesto and heavy cream. Combine with cooked chicken, sautéed spinach, cooked pasta, and half the mozzarella.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg