Description
A delightful combination of flavors and textures, this creamy pesto chicken pasta is a comforting dish perfect for any meal.
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 your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions recommend. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until cooked through and lightly golden, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and whole milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan until combined and melted.
- Return the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and optional spinach to the sauce. Toss until fully coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta. Fresh ingredients make a huge difference in flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg