Savor this creamy pesto chicken pasta bake with our easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or when craving comfort food! 153 chars
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken breast
8 ounces of penne or fusilli pasta
1 cup of pesto sauce
8 ounces of softened cream cheese
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups of fresh spinach
1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes
2 tablespoons of olive oil
3 cloves of minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta – Boil salted water, add pasta and cook as per package instructions (about 8-10 mins). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken – Season raw chicken with salt and pepper, cook in skillet over medium heat until no longer pink (6-8 mins per side). Shred the chicken.
Step 3: Sauté Spinach and Garlic – In the skillet, heat olive oil, sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 secs), then add spinach until wilted (2-3 mins).
Step 4: Mix the Sauces – In a bowl, combine cream cheese, pesto, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth, adding pasta water to adjust thickness if needed.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients – Add pasta, shredded chicken, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and half the cheddar to the sauce. Mix well.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Layer mixture in a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheddar, and bake for 30 mins until bubbly.
Notes
A hassle-free Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake that combines classic comfort food with fresh flavors, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
