This creamy basil pesto chicken pasta bake is a warm hug in a dish! It’s filled with tender chicken, delightful pasta, and a rich, green pesto sauce that brings all the flavors together.
Honestly, it’s one of my go-to meals. The best part? You just toss everything into a dish and let the oven do the work. Dinner made easy and yummy! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta shape holds sauce well! You can swap it for any short pasta like rotini or fusilli. For a gluten-free option, try chickpea or brown rice pasta.
Chicken:** I love using chicken breasts for this dish, but thighs work great too. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic and quick substitute.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds color and nutrients. If you don’t have it, try spinach or even frozen peas for a quick fix.
Basil Pesto: Store-bought is convenient, but feel free to make your own if you have fresh basil! Not a fan of basil? Sun-dried tomato pesto would work nicely too.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream creates a lovely velvety texture, half-and-half or even whole milk can be used for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or cashew cream.
How Do I Get the Cheese to Melt Perfectly?
Getting that gooey, cheesy top is key! Here’s how:
- Choose a good melting cheese like mozzarella. Grate it instead of using pre-shredded cheese for better melting.
- Keep an eye on the bake for those last 5 minutes. You want the cheese bubbly and golden!
- If it’s not browning, place it under the broiler for a minute. Just watch closely to avoid burning!
Letting it rest for 5 minutes after baking lets the flavors settle and helps prevent it from being too runny. Enjoy your bake!
How to Make Creamy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious pasta bake will take about 15 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for baking. So, in about 40 minutes, you will have a comforting meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, get your baking dish ready by greasing it with a little olive oil or cooking spray. This helps to prevent sticking later on.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Boil a pot of water and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should be cooked through but still a little firm. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you work on the chicken.
3. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season it with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
4. Add Garlic and Broccoli:
Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about a minute until you can smell the garlic’s wonderful aroma. Then, toss in the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are just starting to get tender.
5. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the basil pesto and heavy cream (or half-and-half). Stir until the two are well mixed. This sauce will bring a lovely creaminess to the dish!
6. Combine Everything:
In the same large bowl where your pasta is, add the cooked chicken, broccoli, halved cherry tomatoes, and the creamy pesto mixture. Gently toss everything together until it’s nicely coated.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out evenly to ensure even cooking.
8. Top with Cheese:
Now sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese all over the top of the pasta. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust!
9. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and starts to turn golden brown.
10. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, let your pasta bake sit for about 5 minutes. This lets the flavors settle in and makes it easier to serve!
11. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil leaves over the top for a burst of fresh flavor. Now, dig in and enjoy your creamy basil pesto chicken pasta bake!
This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or when you’re entertaining guests. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite! 😊
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a convenient option and works great in this recipe. Just make sure to choose a quality brand for the best flavor.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can definitely customize this dish! Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for any veggies that may take longer to soften.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.