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Creamy pesto chicken pasta bake with golden bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan in a white baking dish

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Tender chicken and penne tossed in a silky basil pesto cream sauce, topped with bubbling mozzarella and golden Parmesan, then baked until perfectly golden. A comforting weeknight dinner ready in 50 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 10.5 oz penne or rigatoni pasta cooked 2 minutes under al dente
  • 10.5 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 pinch salt for seasoning chicken
  • 1 pinch black pepper for seasoning chicken
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 7/8 cup heavy cream approximately 0.9 cups
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for the sauce
  • 3.5 oz baby spinach optional
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions, about 8 minutes for most brands, so it stays just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper and cook in a single layer for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant and just golden. Do not let it brown.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in the basil pesto and 3/4 cup Parmesan until smooth and fully melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Add the cooked pasta, sauteed chicken, and baby spinach to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated and the spinach just begins to wilt, about 1 minute.
  8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan over the top.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20 to 22 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before scooping and serving.

Notes

Pasta shape: Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti all work well. Chicken shortcut: Use rotisserie or leftover roast chicken to skip the saute step. Vegetarian: Omit chicken and double the spinach or add sauteed mushrooms. Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and adjust cook time per package. Make ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 1 day ahead. Bake just before serving. Freezer meal: Assemble unbaked, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375 degrees F covered with foil for an extra 20 to 25 minutes. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers covered for up to 4 days. Reheat in microwave in 60-second intervals or covered in oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through.