Description
A comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and flavorful basil pesto, 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, for extra nutrition)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper and sauté until cooked through and lightly golden, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and whole milk, and bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes. Mix in basil pesto and grated Parmesan until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, adding spinach if using. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Spoon into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pairs beautifully with a light salad or garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy pesto, comfort food, dinner