Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a delicious, comforting meal that combines tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and savory pesto sauce in one easy dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without fuss. The melt-in-your-mouth creamy sauce and crispy baked edges create a delightful texture that everyone will love. Pair it with my Savory One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for another quick, satisfying chicken dinner option.
Why You'll Love Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake - Easy Weeknight Family Dinner
Enjoy a quick and easy Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake that's perfect for weeknight dinners. Rich, cheesy, and family-friendly comfort food made with pantry staples.
- Quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights
- Rich, creamy texture with flavorful pesto and cheese
- Family-friendly recipe that even picky eaters will enjoy
- Made with pantry staples and simple ingredients
Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake - Easy Weeknight Family Dinner
Pasta: Use penne or rotini for best sauce coverage; substitute gluten-free pasta if needed.Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for time-saving; alternatively, cook chicken breasts ahead.
- Pasta: Use penne or rotini for best sauce coverage; substitute gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for time-saving; alternatively, cook chicken breasts ahead.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake - Easy Weeknight Family Dinner are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake - Easy Weeknight Family Dinner
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, pesto sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Combine pasta and chicken: Add cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy pesto sauce.
Expert Tips for Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake - Easy Weeknight Family Dinner
- Don't overcook pasta; it will cook more in the oven.
- Use fresh pesto for a bright flavor or store-bought for convenience.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a bit of cream cheese before baking.
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake - Easy Weeknight Family Dinner
Enjoy a quick and easy Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake that's perfect for weeknight dinners. Rich, cheesy, and family-friendly comfort food made with pantry staples.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup prepared pesto sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Extra Parmesan for sprinkling
Instructions
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, pesto sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Add cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Assemble & bake: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake - Easy Weeknight Family Dinner FAQs
Yes, assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
You can use half-and-half or full-fat milk with a tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce.
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Make sure to keep enough sauce and don’t overbake. Adding broth or cream before reheating helps retain moisture.
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Before You Go
If you try this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake - Easy Weeknight Family Dinner, I'd love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.