Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake | Easy Recipe – 6 Comforting Layers
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake | Easy Recipe features tender chicken, short pasta, and basil pesto in a creamy sauce topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked diced chicken
12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
1 cup basil pesto
1 cup heavy cream
1 half cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic minced
2 cups shredded mozzarella divided
1 half cup grated parmesan divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes optional
1 cup fresh spinach optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook pasta until slightly under al dente, drain and set aside.
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Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add cream and broth and simmer gently.
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Stir in pesto, half the mozzarella, and half the parmesan until smooth.
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Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce in a bowl. Fold in optional vegetables.
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Transfer to baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
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Bake 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Notes
Slightly undercook pasta before baking. Substitute half-and-half for lighter sauce if preferred.