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Indulgent Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 68 reviews
  • Author: Beverly
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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Find it online: https://onepotmealideas.com/indulgent-creamy-pesto-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe/