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Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake You'll Want for Dinner

This Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake features tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and roasted tomatoes in a creamy garlic-pesto sauce, making it a must-try dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz tube-shaped pasta like rigatoni or tortiglioni
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed
For the Flavor Base
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning fragrant herb blend
  • 1 tsp paprika adds warmth
  • 1.25 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper adjust based on preference
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil for sautéing
  • 3/4 cup shallots minced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes omit for milder sauce
For the Veggies and Sauce
  • 1 cup roasted tomatoes sliced
  • 2 to 3 handfuls fresh baby spinach or kale
  • 1/2 cup pesto homemade or store-bought
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
For the Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese grated, divided
  • 3 to 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese torn
For the Garnish
  • chopped fresh basil or parsley, if unavailable

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Toss in chicken, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 8 minutes until chicken is golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, add shallots and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cook for 1 minute. Incorporate roasted tomatoes and spinach, cooking until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir in pesto and heavy cream, mixing well. Allow to simmer for 1 minute to meld flavors.
  5. Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water. Combine, cooking for 2-3 minutes until pasta is coated. Adjust sauce consistency with more water if needed.
  6. Preheat oven broiler. In a baking dish, transfer pasta mix and top with mozzarella and remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano. Broil for 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Remove from oven, sprinkle with basil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 850mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is customizable; feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or pasta.

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