How to Make Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Your Family Will Love

Are you ready to impress your family with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort? I can’t wait to share my Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake recipe with you! This dish is not only a delightful combination of creamy garlic pasta and vibrant pesto, but it’s also one of those easy pasta recipes that you can whip up in no time. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need quick family dinners that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
• Loaded with fresh ingredients and cheesy goodness.
• Perfect for 30-minute meals that don’t skimp on flavor.
• Great for meal prep or leftovers!
• Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients

To make this delicious Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 12 oz DeLallo Tortiglioni pasta (or similar short pasta)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 Tbsp oil from roasted tomato jar (or extra-virgin olive oil)
• 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 ¼ tsp salt, divided
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped (or ½ cup chopped onion)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup roasted red tomatoes, chopped (or sun-dried tomatoes)
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup DeLallo pesto sauce
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ⅔ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
• 1 ¼ cups torn mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, toss the chicken with oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, ¾ tsp salt, and pepper.
3. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sauté for about 8 minutes until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a bowl.
4. Add shallots to the same skillet (plus extra oil if needed). Cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute.
5. Add roasted tomatoes and spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season with the remaining ½ tsp salt.
6. Stir in pesto and heavy cream. Add the pasta and ½ cup reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta, adding more pasta water as needed.
7. Stir in ⅓ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano and the cooked chicken.
8. Preheat the broiler to HIGH. Sprinkle mozzarella and remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano over the pasta. Broil for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and is golden.
9. Garnish with fresh basil and serve!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake turns out perfectly:

• Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for extra nutrition.
• If you want a little kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more veggies!

How to Serve

This Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Serve it with a side of Creamy Cucumber Salad or a refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad to balance the richness of the dish. You can also pair it with a glass of white wine for a delightful evening!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re looking for weeknight dinner ideas that can be prepped in advance, this recipe is a winner! You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Now that you have this delicious recipe in your arsenal, I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! It’s a fantastic way to bring the family together over a hearty meal. Happy cooking!