Description
A comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring creamy pesto sauce and tender chicken, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (about 10.5 ounces total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3.5 ounces baby spinach (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper, until cooked through and golden brown, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer for about 2–3 minutes until thickened. Mix in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and spinach (if using) to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for about 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using homemade pesto. You can customize with additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken pasta, pesto pasta, Italian dinner, comfort food