Deliciously Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake Recipe: A Weeknight Winner!

When it comes to quick and delicious weeknight meals, a Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake is hard to beat! This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant pesto, and creamy cheese, all baked to perfection for a comforting family dinner. If you're looking for a meal that brings everyone to the table and requires minimal effort, this recipe is perfect. 🥳

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Deliciously+Easy+Chicken+Pesto+Pasta+Bake+Recipe" alt="Delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake" /> </div>

Ingredients You'll Need 🥗

To whip up this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Pasta: 300g (penne or fusilli works best)
• Chicken Breast: 500g, cooked and shredded
• Pesto Sauce: 200g (store-bought or homemade)
• Cream Cheese: 100g, softened
• Mozzarella Cheese: 200g, shredded
• Parmesan Cheese: 50g, grated
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Olive Oil: for drizzling
• Cherry Tomatoes: 150g, halved (optional)
• Fresh Basil: for garnish (optional)

Here's a quick overview of these ingredients in a table:

<table> <tr> <th>Ingredient</th> <th>Amount</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Pasta</td> <td>300g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Chicken Breast</td> <td>500g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Pesto Sauce</td> <td>200g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Cream Cheese</td> <td>100g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Mozzarella Cheese</td> <td>200g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Parmesan Cheese</td> <td>50g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Salt and Pepper</td> <td>to taste</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Olive Oil</td> <td>for drizzling</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Cherry Tomatoes</td> <td>150g (optional)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Fresh Basil</td> <td>for garnish (optional)</td> </tr> </table>

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Chicken+Pesto+Pasta+Bake+Ingredients" alt="Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake Ingredients" /> </div>

Step-by-Step Instructions 📋

1. Preheat the Oven 🔥

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your pasta bake cooks evenly.

2. Cook the Pasta 🍝

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Chicken 🍗

If you haven’t already, cook your chicken breast until fully cooked. You can boil, bake, or grill it according to your preference. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

4. Mix the Ingredients 🥄

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, pesto sauce, cream cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Mix until everything is well coated.

5. Transfer to Baking Dish 🥘

Pour the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Pasta+mixture+in+baking+dish" alt="Pasta Mixture in Baking Dish" /> </div>

6. Add Toppings 🧀

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. If you like, add halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for added richness.

7. Bake the Dish ⏳

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.

8. Garnish and Serve 🍽️

Once the Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve it warm and watch your family dig in!

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Chicken+Pesto+Pasta+Bake+Finished" alt="Finished Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake" /> </div>

Why This Recipe is a Weeknight Winner! 🏆

Quick to Prepare: The entire process takes less than an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Kid-Friendly: With cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, this dish is a hit with children.

Versatile: You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Use leftover vegetables, different proteins, or even a gluten-free pasta option!

One-Pot Wonder: Minimal clean-up is required since the baking dish is the main cookware used.

Important Notes 💡

"For a more flavorful dish, consider using homemade pesto instead of store-bought. It's often fresher and more vibrant!"

"Feel free to add in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition!"

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Chicken+Pesto+Pasta+Bake+Time" alt="Cooking Time for Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake" /> </div>

Nutritional Information 🥑

While delicious, it's also good to know what's on your plate! Here's a basic nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on 6 servings):

<table> <tr> <th>Nutrient</th> <th>Amount</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Calories</td> <td>450</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Protein</td> <td>30g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Carbohydrates</td> <td>50g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Fat</td> <td>20g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Fiber</td> <td>3g</td> </tr> </table>

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Nutritional+Information+for+Pasta+Bake" alt="Nutritional Information for Pasta Bake" /> </div>

Final Thoughts ✨

A Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake is truly the epitome of comfort food that doesn't compromise on time or flavor. This dish is bound to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy the blend of flavors and the joy it brings to your dinner table. Happy cooking!