Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: A Cozy Family Favorite

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta captures the essence of comforting family meals with savory chicken, pasta, and rich basil pesto.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Resting Time 5

Total Time 40

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake

12 ounces Pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti)
2 cups Cooked Chicken Can substitute with rotisserie or leftover chicken
1 tablespoon Olive Oil For sautéing
2 cloves Garlic Minced
1 cup Heavy Cream Increase for richer sauce
1 cup Whole Milk
1 cup Basil Pesto Homemade or store-bought
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Aged for best flavor
2 cups Baby Spinach Optional, can substitute with sautéed mushrooms
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded

Equipment

9x13 inch baking dish
Large pot
colander
Large skillet

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just under al dente; drain and let it sit.
In a skillet, heat olive oil, season chicken with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown.
In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, then stir in cream, milk, pesto, and Parmesan until creamy.
Add chicken and pasta to the sauce, toss gently with spinach if using.
Transfer mixture to the baking dish, top with mozzarella and more Parmesan.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for best flavor; avoid overcooking pasta. Adapt for dietary needs.

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