Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

By SandraJuly 11, 2025

This pesto chicken pasta bake is pure comfort food Creamy cheesy and so easy to make perfect for a weeknight treat Grab the recipe now ... Healthy Eats

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of comfort food? Ever wondered how to make a super easy, yet impressive dinner? Let's talk about my Pesto chicken pasta bake.

It's like a warm hug on a plate. It is basically an easy pasta bake !

Quick Hook

Honestly, who doesn't love pasta? This Pesto chicken pasta bake is creamy, cheesy, and packed with that yummy basil flavor.

Think proper comfort food with a bit of pizzazz. Get ready for a creamy pesto pasta recipe !

Brief Overview

This bake is Italian-inspired, proper heartwarming, and proper simple. Ready in under an hour. It's a perfect weeknight pasta bake .

It makes around six servings. Share with your mates or have leftovers.

Main Benefits

Basil is full of goodness. This recipe is proper for a potluck or a cosy night in. What makes it special? It's the creamy pesto that just ties everything together.

It is the best kind of comfort food pasta bake .

Ready for Ingredients?

Discover the Heart of Comfort: Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake's Essence

The Pesto chicken pasta bake is proper easy. It is proper tasty. This ain't just any Chicken and pesto pasta bake recipe .

What Makes This Recipe Shine? It's All About the Pesto

This recipe really shines when you use quality pesto. Think of fresh basil. It smells amazing. You'll be making this Baked pesto chicken pasta over and over.

From My Kitchen to Yours: A Personal Story

I remember the first time I made this pesto chicken pasta bake . It was a disaster. I overcooked the pasta, you know? It was a proper mush.

But I learned from my mistakes, and now it’s a family favourite. Let this story be a lesson in improving your very own pasta bake recipe .

Elevating Simple Flavors: Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

This bake isn't about complicated techniques. It's about layering delicious, simple flavours. It is proper comfort food, elevated. Make sure it is extra tasty and full of Pesto pasta bake with mozzarella .

Ready to look into In?

So, are you ready to dive into this chicken pesto bake easy recipe?

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Masterpiece

So, you fancy making a Pesto chicken pasta bake , eh? Ace! Let's get down to brass tacks with what you'll need.

Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward, nothing too cheffy. This easy pasta bake recipe is perfect for a relaxed weeknight.

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific!

Right, so for this creamy pesto pasta recipe , you’ll need:

Pasta: 12 oz (340g) of your favourite pasta. Penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli will do the trick. Just make sure it’s good quality!
Chicken: 2 cups (340g) of cooked chicken. Shredded or diced, whatever floats your boat. I often use leftover roast chicken for this!
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon . Nothing fancy, just your regular cooking olive oil.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. The fresher the garlic, the better the taste!
Pesto: 1 cup (approximately 100g) . Now, the pesto! Shop-bought is totally fine. But, if you’re feeling fancy, homemade pesto is the absolute bee's knees.
Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . Heavy cream, or half-and-half (single cream for us in the UK!).
Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup (150g) , halved. Adds a bit of freshness.
Mozzarella: 1 ½ cups (170g) , shredded. The pesto pasta bake with mozzarella is just so good.
Parmesan: ½ cup (50g) , grated. Gives it that extra bit of cheesy goodness.
Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Seasoning is key, innit.

Seasoning Notes: A Little Spice, A Lot of Flavor

The pesto itself brings a ton of flavour. But garlic and basil are essential. Plus, fresh black pepper and sea salt really are your best friends here.

A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, too.

If you're a bit short on time, garlic granules or a little garlic purée can work in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Honestly, you don’t need a kitchen full of fancy kit. Just the basics:

A large pot for the pasta.
A colander to drain the pasta. Obvs.
A skillet or saucepan for the sauce.
A 9x13 inch baking dish. Or similar.
Measuring cups and spoons. For the sake of precision.

A wooden spoon for stirring is always handy. If you don't have a baking dish, a large oven-safe frying pan would do the trick, though it may not look as pretty.

This chicken and pesto pasta bake recipe is adaptable. What are you waiting for? Grab your bits and bobs and get cooking! This Chicken pesto bake easy recipe will knock your socks off! Baked pesto chicken pasta is calling your name! You are gonna love it, comfort food pasta bake for the win.

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake presentation

Get Ready to look into Into the Best Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Ever!

Oh my gosh, you guys! You have to try this Pesto chicken pasta bake . Honestly, it’s the ultimate comfort food and it’s so easy to make.

I've been making this recipe for years, ever since I needed a crowd-pleaser for a potluck. Let me tell you, it's always a winner! Plus, it requires minimum effort.

This easy pasta bake will become your new favourite.

Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Magic

First, the key is the mise en place , you know? Get everything prepped. Dice the cooked chicken. Half those cherry tomatoes.

Shred your own mozzarella. Seriously, pre-shredded cheese just doesn't melt the same. Trust me on this one. This simple step ensures a smooth cooking experience and helps you create the best chicken pesto bake easy .

Step-by-Step to Pasta Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C/ Gas Mark 5) . Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta until it's al dente. We're talking about 8- 10 minutes . Don't overcook it, nobody likes soggy pasta.
Sauté minced garlic in olive oil for about 1 minute .
Stir in the pesto and heavy cream. Heat gently until combined.
Add the chicken and tomatoes.
Toss in the pasta.
Transfer everything to the baking dish.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake for 20- 25 minutes . The cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Pro Tips for a Next-Level Bake

Wanna make a pesto pasta bake with mozzarella like a true chef? Use good quality pesto. It makes a huge difference.

Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the sauce. Too thick? Add a splash of pasta water. This weeknight pasta bake will make everyone happy.

Common mistake: Overcooking the pasta. Don't do it!
Make-ahead: Assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5- 10 minutes to the baking time. This chicken and pesto pasta bake recipe is perfect for meal prep.

This creamy pesto pasta recipe will leave you speechless. It really feels like you're having a warm hug on a plate. Seriously, what are you waiting for? Go try it!

**Recipe Notes That'll Make You A Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Pro**

Okay, let's talk Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake . You know, the Easy Pasta Bake that everyone secretly loves? It is basically Chicken and Pesto Pasta Bake Recipe gold.

I reckon you can’t go wrong with this Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe !

Serving Like A Pro

Imagine this: Pesto chicken pasta bake artfully plated. Think a swirl of pasta, topped with a sprig of fresh basil, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.

Serve it alongside garlic bread. Honestly, who can say no to garlic bread?

A simple green salad balances the richness. A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio? Chef's kiss . It just takes that Baked Pesto Chicken Pasta to the next level.

Storage Secrets: Keepin' it Fresh

Leftovers are a gift. Pop that Pesto Pasta Bake With Mozzarella in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure you use an airtight container. Freezing? Totally doable!

Wrap individual portions well and freeze for up to two months. Reheat in the oven for the best results. Microwave works in a pinch for this Weeknight Pasta Bake , though.

Remix It: Adapt and Conquer

Want a vegetarian Comfort Food Pasta Bake ? Skip the chicken and add roasted veggies. Mushrooms and spinach are your friends. Need gluten-free?

Use your favourite gluten-free pasta. Just be careful not to overcook it. A dairy-free version? Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives. So easy.

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

Each serving packs around 550-650 calories. Plus, it has a good dose of protein (35-40g). And of course some carbs (40-45g) and fat (30-35g).

Remember, these are estimates. The protein from the chicken is great for muscles. The carbs give you energy. And honestly, it's good for the soul.

So, there you have it. All the insider tips to make your Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake a smash hit. Don't be afraid to get creative and have fun.

Now get cooking, you superstar!

Delicious Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Quick Easy

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time? I'm having a right old knees-up this weekend!

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire bake, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. This is a cracking way to get ahead if you're expecting company.

What's the best way to store leftover pesto chicken pasta bake? Does it freeze well?

Store any leftover pesto chicken pasta bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It can be reheated in the microwave or oven. Freezing is also an option, although the pasta and cheese may change texture slightly. For best results, freeze individual portions and thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

I'm trying to be a bit healthier. Are there any lighter substitutions I can make to this pesto chicken pasta bake recipe?

You bet! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half (single cream), or even a lighter option like evaporated milk or a cashew cream. Using whole wheat pasta will also add extra fiber. Loading up on vegetables like spinach or mushrooms in the bake is another jolly good way to boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.

My pesto chicken pasta bake always seems to come out a bit dry. What am I doing wrong?

The most likely culprit is not enough sauce! Ensure the pasta is well coated in the pesto sauce before baking. Also, avoid overbaking; once the cheese is melted and bubbly, it's ready. You can also reserve a bit of pasta water and add it to the sauce to loosen it up. Nobody likes a dry bake!

I don't have any pesto in the fridge! Is there a good substitute for the pesto in this pesto chicken pasta bake?

No pesto? Not a problem! You can use a jarred sun-dried tomato pesto for a similar flavor profile, or even a creamy tomato sauce with a sprinkle of Italian herbs. Consider adding some fresh basil to the sauce for that classic pesto aroma. This dish is incredibly versatile, so get creative!

Can I add other veggies to this pesto chicken pasta bake?

Good on ya for getting your greens! Absolutely, this recipe is super flexible. Spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and even broccoli florets would all be champion additions. Just sauté them lightly before adding them to the pasta bake to ensure they are cooked through.