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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 850
A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh basil pesto, and creamy cheese sauce, baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 2 medium chicken breasts (diced (10.5 oz))
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (plus 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 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). Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package instructions, then drain.
  • Sauté seasoned chicken in olive oil until cooked, then set aside.
  • Melt butter, sauté garlic, then whisk in cream and milk. Add pesto and Parmesan, simmer until thickened.
  • Mix chicken, pasta, spinach into sauce. Transfer to baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Bake uncovered 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving.
Calories: 850kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Chicken, Creamy, pasta