Description
A comforting dish of pasta enveloped in a creamy basil pesto sauce, combined with tender chicken and topped with gooey mozzarella.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (about 10.5 ounces total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3.5 ounces baby spinach (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill a large pot with salted water, bring it to a boil, and cook your pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until cooked through and lightly golden, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, bringing to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Mix in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, adding spinach if desired. Toss everything together.
- Transfer the mixture into the baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Prepare ahead of time and bake when ready. Customize with shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 585
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg