Description
A comforting dish of pasta, tender chicken, and a creamy basil pesto sauce that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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, for extra nutrition)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions, ensuring it is just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sauté until cooked through and lightly golden, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and whole milk, then bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Mix in basil pesto and grated Parmesan, stirring until smooth and melted.
- Combine ingredients: Return cooked chicken, drained pasta, and spinach (if using) to the skillet. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake to perfection: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest before serving: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.
Notes
Feel free to customize with different pasta shapes or add vegetables. Ideal for leftovers; stores well in the fridge or freezer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy, pesto, comfort food