This Creamy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a warm and cheesy hug in a dish! With tender chicken, pasta, and a rich basil pesto sauce, it’s perfect for busy nights.
Seriously, who wouldn’t want to dig into this gooey goodness? I love how easy it is to throw together. Just mix, bake, and enjoy your cozy meal!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fusilli or rotini are great for holding onto the creamy sauce. If you can’t find these, any hearty pasta like penne or farfalle works well.
Chicken: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal. Just shred it up and mix it in!
Basil Pesto: Store-bought pesto is super convenient, but homemade is fresher! If you’re vegan, use a nut-based pesto. Spinach or arugula can replace basil if you’re in a pinch.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a nice sweetness. You can swap them with diced bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for different flavors.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative. Just ensure it’s suitable for baking!
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken right is key to this dish’s success. First, cube your chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Start by heating olive oil in your skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic for flavor.
- Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to add flavor during cooking.
- Remove from heat once fully cooked to avoid overcooking, which makes chicken tough.
How to Make Creamy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) fusilli or rotini pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce and Toppings:
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bake takes about 10 minutes to prep, 20-25 minutes to bake, and will need a few minutes to cool. In total, you’ll spend around 35-40 minutes before enjoying your creamy, cheesy basil delight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so that it’s hot and ready when your pasta bake is assembled.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it still has a tiny bit of firmness when bitten into. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing but be careful not to let it burn!
Next, toss in the cubed chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink inside. Once done, take the skillet off the heat.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked pasta, the chicken, basil pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, and heavy cream. Stir everything together gently until all the ingredients are well-coated and combined.
5. Assemble the Bake:
Transfer your pasta and chicken mixture into a greased baking dish. Don’t forget to spread it out evenly so every bite gets some love!
Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta for that glorious cheesy layer.
6. Bake:
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the top to be bubbling and the cheese to turn golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and, if you like, some chopped parsley for a sprinkle of color. Serve warm, and enjoy your creamy, cheesy, basil-infused chicken pasta bake!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While fusilli and rotini work great because they hold the sauce well, you can use other shapes like penne, farfalle, or even macaroni for this bake. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted according to the pasta type you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream like coconut cream or cashew cream. Just ensure you select one that can be baked without curdling!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and add more veggies! Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. You could also add some cooked lentils or chickpeas for protein.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal!
