If you’ve been dreaming of a comforting meal that perfectly blends fresh, vibrant flavors with a rich, creamy texture, then you’re in for a treat! This Indulgent Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe brings together tender chicken, luscious pesto, and melty cheese in a way that instantly feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend supper, this dish delivers on taste, ease, and satisfaction, making it a must-try go-to for anyone who loves hearty Italian-inspired comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that work in harmony to create layers of flavor and delightful textures. Each component plays its part, from the tender pasta shape that holds the sauce beautifully to the fresh greens that add a pop of color and nutrition.
- 250 grams Bowtie Pasta: Perfect for holding sauce in its crevices, but feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer.
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken: Leftover grilled, BBQ, or smoked chicken adds unbeatable smoky flavor and tender protein.
- 1 cup Cooking Cream: Provides the creamy base; you can swap for regular cream or a dairy-free alternative to suit your needs.
- 2 cups Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and a lovely green vibrancy; kale or other leafy greens work well as substitutes.
- 2 cups Grated Cheese: Use a blend—mozzarella for meltiness, cheddar for sharpness, or a vegan cheese if preferred.
- 1/2 cup Pesto: Whether store-bought or homemade, pesto is the heartbeat of this recipe, infusing it with fragrant basil and nutty goodness.
How to Make Indulgent Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling your bowtie pasta in salted water until it’s al dente, just firm to the bite. This ensures the pasta will finish cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooking cream and pesto, stirring until evenly blended. This creates the luxurious, tangy sauce that wraps every piece of pasta and chicken in irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Mix in the Chicken and Spinach
Chop your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss it into the sauce along with the fresh baby spinach. The spinach will gently wilt when baked, adding a subtle earthiness and boosting the dish’s freshness.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the cooked pasta and fold it into your creamy pesto sauce mixture, making sure every bite is coated. This step is crucial for marrying the flavors and textures wonderfully.
Step 5: Assemble and Top with Cheese
Transfer the creamy pasta and chicken mixture to a baking dish, then generously sprinkle the grated cheese over the top. The cheese layer will bake into a bubbly, golden crust that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your dish in a preheated oven and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden, and the whole bake is hot and bubbly.
How to Serve Indulgent Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To add a final fresh note, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or a few toasted pine nuts over the top before serving. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also elevate the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy pesto sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this bake in individual ramekins for a charming dinner party or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top if you like a little heat. For a colorful twist, add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted cherry tomatoes before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Indulgent Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It makes an excellent next-day lunch that tastes just as comforting.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry, stirring halfway to ensure even heat.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully thanks to its shape, penne, rotini, or farfalle all make great substitutes. Just choose a pasta that can hold sauce well.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap the cooking cream with a plant-based cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying.
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
It’s best to use cooked chicken to keep the bake timing accurate and ensure the chicken is perfectly tender without drying out.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe itself is mild and creamy, but you can easily add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to give it a gentle kick if you like.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?
Definitely! Assemble the bake up to the point before adding cheese, cover and chill it, then bake right before serving for a stress-free entertaining option.
Final Thoughts
This Indulgent Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe truly hits all the right notes—comfort, flavor, and ease all wrapped in one beautiful dish. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again. It’s the perfect way to bring rich, homey vibes to your dinner table any night of the week.
Print
Indulgent Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Indulgent Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner. Featuring tender cooked chicken, creamy cooking cream, fresh baby spinach, and a homemade or store-bought pesto sauce, all baked with gooey melted cheese and your choice of pasta. Simple to prepare and packed with rich, savory flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 250 grams Bowtie Pasta (any pasta shape can be used as a substitute)
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken (leftover grilled, BBQ, or smoked chicken works perfectly)
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 cups Baby Spinach (can be replaced with kale or other leafy greens)
- 2 cups Grated Cheese (blend your favorites like mozzarella, cheddar, or vegan cheese)
Sauce
- 1 cup Cooking Cream (can be swapped for regular cream or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup Pesto (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix Sauce and Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooking cream and pesto thoroughly. Add in the cooked chicken and baby spinach, mixing to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Combine Pasta and Mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the creamy pesto chicken mixture. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is well coated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy your creamy pesto chicken pasta bake!
Notes
- You can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, fusilli, or any other favorite pasta shape.
- For a lighter option, use a dairy-free cooking cream and vegan cheese.
- Leftover grilled or smoked chicken adds a nice smoky flavor but cooked rotisserie chicken works well too.
- Fresh baby spinach can be swapped with kale or other hearty greens.
- Homemade pesto can elevate the flavor but store-bought pesto saves time.
- Adjust the amount of cheese on top according to your preference for cheesiness.
