Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that brings together creamy, herby goodness and melty cheese in every bite.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta just to al dente; drain.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, pesto, cream, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered 30–35 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add spinach or broccoli for extra veggies.
Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that brings together creamy, herby goodness and melty cheese in every bite. Tender pasta is coated in vibrant basil pesto and a splash of cream, creating a rich but balanced sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles. Juicy chicken adds heartiness, while sweet cherry tomatoes burst slightly as they bake, adding freshness and color.
Finished with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan, this casserole comes out of the oven bubbly, golden, and irresistibly fragrant. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for casual entertaining. Serve it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. Warm, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, this pasta bake is comfort food done right.
