This creamy basil pesto chicken pasta bake is a warm hug on a plate! With tender chicken, delicious pasta, and rich pesto, it’s a cozy meal everyone will love!
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy, golden top? I like to sprinkle a little extra cheese just before baking. It’s the perfect way to elevate this comfort dish even more! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta shape holds the creamy sauce well. If you don’t have penne, you can use other short pasta types like rotini, farfalle, or even macaroni. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Cooked Chicken: I love using leftover chicken here. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken is also a great option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, you can try using sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
Basil Pesto: Store-bought pesto saves time, but homemade is so tasty if you have fresh basil! Can’t find basil? Spinach or arugula can be blended into a quick green sauce as a substitute.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk works great too. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, consider using coconut cream or almond milk, but the flavor will change a bit.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a gooey texture, while Parmesan adds sharpness. If you want to mix it up, provolone or gouda can also work wonderfully!
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Bake Is Creamy and Not Dry?
The key to a creamy pasta bake is a good balance of sauce to pasta. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven!
- Make sure to thoroughly mix your pasta with the pesto and cream. Every noodle should be coated.
- If you find the mixture looks a bit dry before baking, simply add a splash more cream or a little bit of chicken broth.
- Cover with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to trap moisture, then uncover to let the cheese brown.
And there you go! Following these steps will help you create a perfectly creamy and delightful bake.
Creamy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy basil pesto chicken pasta bake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’ll spend around 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your delicious pasta dish!
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta well and set it aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Then, toss in the diced cooked chicken to warm it up, seasoning it with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, warmed chicken, basil pesto, and heavy cream. Stir everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy pesto sauce.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it bakes nicely.
6. Add Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for that gooey, cheesy goodness. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
7. Rest and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will help everything set a bit before you dive in. Just before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil on top for a burst of color and flavor!
Enjoy your creamy basil pesto chicken pasta bake—it’s a comforting dish that will surely satisfy your cravings!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly. Just make sure to dice it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the dish.
Can I Make This Pasta Bake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta mixture ahead of time! Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What If I Don’t Have Pesto?
If you’re out of pesto, you can quickly make a substitute using fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor! Alternatively, you can use store-bought pesto made from other herbs like spinach or arugula if you want to get creative.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of cream or broth if it seems a bit dry!