Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, savory casserole that brings together tender chicken, pasta, and vibrant pesto in a comforting dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this easy recipe requires minimal prep time and just a handful of ingredients. Bake it to golden perfection for an irresistible meal that’s sure to impress family and friends. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for extra flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Dice the chicken.
- In a bowl, mix cooked pasta, diced chicken, pesto sauce, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle bread crumbs on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg