Print

Creamy Pasta Bake Recipes: Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake with Cheese

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake combines tender pasta, shredded chicken, basil pesto, and a rich cheese sauce — all baked until bubbly and golden for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: spinach, red pepper flakes, cherry tomatoes

Instructions

    1. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
    2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
    3. Add cream and cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
    4. Stir in pesto, chicken, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2 minutes.
    5. Combine pasta and sauce in a greased 9×13” baking dish.
    6. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
    7. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
    8. Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
  • Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.

Find it online: https://yumnexio.com/creamy-pasta-bake-recipes-pesto-chicken-pasta-bake-with-cheese/