Description
A delightful blend of creamy sauce, vibrant basil pesto, tender chicken, and pasta that transforms any dinner into a celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 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 your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, for about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Create the creamy sauce by melting butter in the same skillet, adding minced garlic and sautéing for 30 seconds. Mix in heavy cream and whole milk, simmering for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Incorporate the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until combined.
- Combine the cooked chicken and drained pasta with the sauce, adding spinach if desired.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Add the shredded mozzarella and extra grated Parmesan on top.
- Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can prep the chicken and sauce a day in advance. If you’re short on time, skip the baking step and serve immediately after combining.
- 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: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, pesto chicken, Italian pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food