Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that brings together tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy pesto sauce. All of these are topped with melty mozzarella and baked to golden perfection. This dish is a delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors with the ease of a baked pasta casserole, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.

The rich, herby pesto sauce combined with juicy chicken and gooey cheese is a match made in heaven. The best part? This Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is incredibly versatile—you can swap out the pasta, use store-bought or homemade pesto, and even add in your favorite veggies to customize it to your liking. It’s a one-dish meal that feels special, but it’s surprisingly easy to throw together.

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this bake always delivers on flavor and comfort. It’s the ultimate make-ahead meal, as it reheats beautifully and tastes just as good (if not better!) the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

1. Comforting and Cheesy: The combination of pasta, chicken, pesto, and melted cheese is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a comforting meal.
2. Easy to Make: This dish requires minimal prep and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
3. Great for Leftovers: This pasta bake reheats well and can be stored for several days, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
4. Customizable: You can easily swap the pasta, add vegetables, or even make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
5. Packed with Flavor: The basil pesto adds a burst of fresh, herby flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken and rich cheese.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6-8
• Serving Size: 1 large portion (about 1 ½ cups)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Carbs: 45g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake:

For the Pasta Bake:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, for a burst of freshness
• 1 cup spinach, for extra greens
• Mushrooms, sautéed for extra flavor
• Zucchini or bell peppers, roasted or sautéed

For Homemade Pesto (Optional):

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping Suggestions:

• Red pepper flakes, for a little heat
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite), usually 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Sauté the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add the Cream and Broth:

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.

3. Stir in the Pesto:

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the pesto. Let the sauce cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

1. Mix It All Together:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and the creamy pesto sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.

2. Add Cheese:

Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it creamy and delicious.

Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Bake

1. Transfer to Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

2. Top with Cheese:

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella over the top of the pasta bake.

Step 6: Bake the Pesto Chicken Pasta

1. Bake the Pasta:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

2. Optional Broil:

If you like a crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: This pasta bake is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• For Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping. Make a big batch and portion it into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• For a Crowd: Double the recipe and use a larger baking dish to serve a crowd at potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday dinners.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Be sure not to overcook the pasta when boiling it, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Aim for an al dente texture so the pasta holds its shape.
2. Use High-Quality Pesto: Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade pesto, opt for high-quality ingredients to maximize flavor. Fresh basil pesto will give the best results.
3. Add Veggies for More Nutrition: Feel free to toss in vegetables like spinach, roasted tomatoes, or sautéed zucchini to add more nutrients and texture to the dish.
4. Make It Creamier: If you prefer a creamier pasta bake, you can increase the amount of cream or add a spoonful of ricotta cheese to the sauce for extra richness.
5. Customize the Cheese: Swap the mozzarella for other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even gouda for a different flavor profile.

Recipe Variations

This Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is highly customizable, so feel free to make it your own. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Pesto Chicken and Veggie Pasta Bake:

Add your favorite vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach to the pasta bake. You can roast or sauté the veggies before adding them to the dish for extra flavor.

2. Gluten-Free Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake:

Swap out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. The creamy pesto sauce and cheese will still deliver all the comfort and flavor.

3. Vegan Pesto Pasta Bake:

To make a vegan version, replace the chicken with tofu or plant-based protein and use vegan pesto. Swap the cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, and use vegan cheese for that gooey, cheesy topping.

4. Pesto Alfredo Chicken Bake:

For an even richer version, combine alfredo sauce with the pesto for a decadent twist. The creamy alfredo adds even more richness to the dish, making it ultra-comforting.

5. Low-Carb Pesto Chicken Bake:

For a low-carb version, swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets. The dish will still be cheesy, creamy, and full of flavor, but with fewer carbs.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Freezing:

You can freeze the unbaked pasta dish for up to 3 months. Assemble the pasta bake in a freezer-safe dish, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: For baking the pasta.
• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce and tossing the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes! Store-bought pesto works great in this recipe. If you’re short on time, feel free to use a high-quality jarred pesto for convenience.

2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can shred it and mix it into the pasta instead of cooking fresh chicken. It’s a great way to save time.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

4. Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! While mozzarella is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or gouda for a different flavor.

5. Can I add other proteins?

Definitely! Feel free to add or swap proteins—shrimp, sausage, or even ground turkey would be delicious in this pasta bake.

Conclusion

This Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect dish for anyone craving a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. The combination of pesto, chicken, pasta, and melty cheese creates a comforting dish that’s great for feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or enjoying with the family on a cozy night in. Whether you’re using store-bought pesto or making your own, this dish will always deliver a satisfying, cheesy, and delicious experience.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this pasta bake as much as I do! Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies, proteins, and toppings to make it your own.