Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that instantly feels like home. Warm, rich, and deeply satisfying, it brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious creamy pesto sauce, all baked under a blanket of golden, bubbling mozzarella. It’s comforting without being boring, indulgent without being overwhelming, and simple enough for an easy weeknight dinner while still feeling special enough to serve to guests.

This recipe sits beautifully at the intersection of convenience and flavor. The preparation is straightforward, the ingredients are familiar, and the results are consistently impressive. It’s inspired by Italian flavors but firmly rooted in Italian-American comfort food traditions, where cream sauces, baked pasta, and generous cheese are embraced wholeheartedly.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy baked pasta dish that delivers big on flavor, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta checks every box. The basil pesto adds freshness and herbal depth, the cream and cheese bring richness, and the baked finish creates irresistible texture. Every bite is creamy, savory, and deeply comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy skill level with restaurant-quality results
• Balanced combination of creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors
• Baked for a golden, bubbly finish that adds texture
• Hearty and filling, perfect as a complete meal
• Uses simple, accessible ingredients
• Ideal for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining

Ingredients Breakdown

Pasta & Chicken

• 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

Creamy Pesto Sauce

• 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)

Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Yield: 4 portions

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Large skillet
• Mixing spoon
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Oven
• Measuring cups
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later. Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne or rigatoni pasta and cook it for 2 minutes less than the package directions, ensuring the pasta is just under al dente. This step is important because the pasta will finish cooking in the oven. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

3. Sauté the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic.

Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add the basil pesto and 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined.

5. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Add the baby spinach if using. Toss everything together until the pasta, chicken, and spinach are evenly coated in the creamy pesto sauce. The residual heat will gently wilt the spinach.

6. Assemble and Top

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and a crisp finish.

7. Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

8. Rest and Serve

Remove the pasta from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce settle and makes portioning easier.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and proceed with the pasta, sauce, and spinach only.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta while keeping all other ingredients the same.
• Extra Creamy Texture: Ensure the sauce gently simmers, not boils, to prevent separation.
• Spinach Substitute: Spinach is optional and can be left out without affecting the sauce.
• Cheese Balance: The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan provides both melt and sharpness; do not substitute amounts.

Flavor Profile

This dish delivers a rich, creamy base balanced by the bright herbal notes of basil pesto. The chicken adds savory depth, while the baked cheese topping introduces a satisfying contrast of textures. The result is indulgent but well-rounded, with each ingredient playing a clear role.

Nutritional Overview

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a hearty, high-energy meal. It’s rich in protein from the chicken and cheese, provides carbohydrates from pasta, and includes fats from cream, cheese, and pesto that contribute to satiety and flavor.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Assemble the pasta up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours
• Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes if needed
• Store leftovers in airtight containers
• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, but stick to sturdy short pasta shapes similar in size to penne or rigatoni for even baking.

Why cook the pasta under al dente?
The pasta finishes cooking in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.

Is homemade pesto required?
No. Store-bought pesto works perfectly and keeps this recipe convenient.

Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not ideal due to the cream sauce, which may separate when thawed.

Does spinach change the flavor?
No. It adds nutrition without overpowering the dish.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep	20 minutes
Cook	30 minutes
Total	50 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish hot, straight from the baking dish, or portion it neatly onto plates for a more polished presentation. The golden cheese topping makes it visually appealing without additional garnishes.

Recipe Variations Using the Same Ingredients

1. Stovetop Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: Skip baking and serve directly from the skillet.
2. Extra Cheesy Bake: Focus on the cheese topping for a thicker crust.
3. Spinach-Forward Version: Emphasize the spinach for added greens.
4. Creamy Pesto Chicken Casserole: Present it as a classic baked casserole for family-style meals.

Ingredient Spotlight

Basil Pesto

Basil pesto brings brightness and complexity to the sauce. When choosing pesto, look for one with basil, olive oil, cheese, and garlic as primary ingredients. Store refrigerated and use within the recommended timeframe.

Chicken Breast

Boneless, skinless chicken breast cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Dice evenly to ensure consistent cooking and texture throughout the dish.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Keep heat moderate when making the sauce to avoid curdling
• Stir continuously when adding cheese to ensure smooth melting
• Let the dish rest before serving for cleaner portions
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheating: Reheat gently to preserve sauce consistency
• Freezing: Not recommended due to dairy-based sauce separation

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Energy	670
Fats	32 g
Carbohydrates	56 g
Proteins	41 g

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy and gluten; may contain tree nuts depending on pesto ingredients.

Expanded Conclusion

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a reliable, comforting dish that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a household favorite, requested again and again for its creamy texture, satisfying portions, and familiar yet elevated taste.

If you’re looking for a baked pasta recipe that feels indulgent, approachable, and consistently delicious, this one deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. Try it once, and it’s sure to become one of those trusted comfort meals you return to whenever you need something warm, filling, and deeply satisfying.

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