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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 850
A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh basil pesto, and creamy cheese, baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 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 oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch dish.
  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just under al dente, then drain.
  • Sauté seasoned chicken until cooked, then set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, then stir in cream, milk, pesto, and Parmesan until smooth.
  • Combine chicken, pasta, spinach, and sauce; transfer to baking dish. Top with cheeses and bake until bubbly, 20–25 minutes.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh herbs before serving.
Calories: 850kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Chicken, Creamy, Pasta