Description
A delightful blend of creamy basil pesto, tender chicken, and pasta that creates a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for any occasion.
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions recommend. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper and sauté for about 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and whole milk, bringing it to a gentle simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Stir in basil pesto.
- Return the sautéed chicken, drained pasta, and spinach to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Customize with additional veggies or cheese as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg