Comfort Food Favorite: Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Creamy, herby, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting—this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something special. With tender chicken, a rich pesto cream sauce, and golden baked cheese on top, it’s everything you love about comfort food in one dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a casual get-together, this recipe is hearty, crowd-pleasing, and easy to customize.

Whether you’re a fan of chicken pesto, obsessed with easy pasta bakes, or just in the mood for a creamy dinner that hits the spot, this recipe is going to earn a regular spot on your table.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pasta Bake

• One-pan meal with protein, carbs, and dairy

• Easy to prep and bake—no stovetop juggling

• Uses simple ingredients that pack big flavor

• Comforting, cozy, and ideal for family-style servings

• Great for leftovers—even better the next day

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Ingredients Overview: What You’ll Need

Let’s break down what makes this dish so flavorful and satisfying:

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs both work well. Cooked and shredded or diced for convenience.

• Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken

Pasta

Choose a short pasta shape that holds sauce well—think penne, rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli.

• Cook al dente: It will cook more in the oven

Pesto

A good-quality basil pesto is key here. Store-bought works fine, but you can use homemade if you prefer.

• Look for pesto with olive oil, real basil, garlic, and pine nuts for best flavor

Cream Sauce

A quick mix of:

• Heavy cream or half-and-half

• Cream cheese (for thickness and tang)

• A touch of garlic and parmesan for depth

Cheese

What’s a pasta bake without cheese?

• Mozzarella: For that perfect gooey melt

• Parmesan: For salty, nutty flavor on top

Extras (Optional but Delicious)

• Sun-dried tomatoes: Sweet-tart pop of flavor

• Spinach: Adds nutrition and a splash of color

• Crushed red pepper flakes: For a little kick

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How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil

• Cook 12 oz pasta just shy of al dente

• Drain and set aside

2. Make the Sauce

In a large skillet:

• Sauté 2 cloves minced garlic in 1 tbsp olive oil

• Add 1½ cups heavy cream and bring to a simmer

• Stir in ½ cup cream cheese until melted

• Add ½ cup grated parmesan and ½ cup pesto, whisk until smooth

• Season with salt and pepper to taste

3. Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl or the same skillet:

• Add drained pasta

• Stir in 2–3 cups cooked, shredded chicken

• Add 1 cup spinach and ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)

• Toss to coat everything in the sauce

4. Assemble and Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)

• Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish

• Top with 1½ cups shredded mozzarella and extra parmesan

• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden

• Broil for 1–2 minutes if desired for a crispy cheese top

5. Rest and Serve

Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to help the sauce set slightly.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Success

• Use fresh basil as a garnish to brighten flavor

• Mix in a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick

• Slightly undercook pasta to prevent it from going mushy in the oven

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and double the spinach and add sautéed mushrooms

• Low-carb option: Use cooked spaghetti squash or cauliflower florets instead of pasta

• Spicy pesto bake: Add chili flakes or use spicy Italian sausage

• Gluten-free: Use your favorite GF pasta and double-check your pesto ingredients

Substitutions

• Cream → Use half-and-half or a combo of milk and cream cheese

• Mozzarella → Try provolone or fontina for a different melt

• Parmesan → Swap for asiago or pecorino romano

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This creamy pasta bake is rich and filling, making it ideal as a standalone dinner. But you can also pair it with:

• Garlic bread or a crusty sourdough

• Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini

• Soup starter like tomato basil or creamy cauliflower

Great for:

• Family dinners

• Meal prep (makes excellent leftovers)

• Potlucks and cozy gatherings

• Freezer meals (assemble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking)

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Nutrition & Health Notes

This is a comfort food dish at heart, but you can easily lighten it up or boost the nutrients with a few changes.

Approximate Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 480

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 24g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 3g

Health Boosters:

• Add spinach or kale for extra fiber and iron

• Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber

• Replace half the cream with Greek yogurt for extra protein

• Choose a pesto with no added sugar or preservatives

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FAQs About Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5 extra minutes to the bake time.

2. Can I freeze this pasta bake?

Definitely. Freeze before baking for best results. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 50–60 minutes.

3. What’s the best pesto to use?

Choose a pesto that’s vibrant green and made with real basil, olive oil, and pine nuts. Refrigerated versions often taste fresher than jarred.

4. Can I use a different protein?

Yes—this recipe also works with shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked Italian sausage, grilled shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

5. How do I prevent the cheese from burning on top?

If your oven runs hot, loosely tent the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then uncover to finish browning.

6. What type of pasta holds up best?

Short, sturdy shapes like rigatoni, penne, or rotini are best. Avoid delicate or long noodles—they can break down too much in the bake.

7. How can I make it lighter?

Use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of full cream, and choose whole grain or legume-based pasta for higher fiber and protein.

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