You guys, I'm about to share one of my favorite chicken recipes with you. Seriously, this is one I make all the time. It's yummy and cheesy and something whole family loves. Most nights, we moms do not have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen, but we still want to give our family something delicious. That's where this Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake comes in. Pasta, pesto, cheese and chicken - do you really need anything else? Be sure to also check out Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Pancetta.
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Why you'll love this Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
- Creamy and cheesy comfort food
- Hearty and filling meal the whole family will love
- Can be made with leftover chicken
Ingredients
- penne pasta
- chicken breasts
- olive oil
- garlic powder
- oregano
- salt
- black pepper
- pesto sauce
- shredded mozzarella
How to make chicken pesto pasta
To make this chicken and pasta bake, you will start off by cooking a 16 oz box of penne rigate in a large pot according to package directions.
While the pasta is cooking, it is time to cook up the chicken. I get my chicken from ButcherBox. They have the healthiest, best quality meat at great prices. Best of all, it's delivered to your door.
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or large skillet and saute the bite sized pieces of chicken breasts on medium heat until they are cooked through.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Drain the noodles when done cooking and al dente and return to the pot. Add in the cooked chicken, basil pesto sauce, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
Pour the contents into a 9x13, 3 quart greased casserole dish. This one is my favorite!
Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese, taking care to spread the cheese over the entire casserole.
Bake in a 400 degree oven for 10-15 minutes to melt the cheese.
Serve immediately to take advantage of the ooeey-gooey cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for even more cheese flavor.
If you want to bulk this up or get some veggies in there, you can add broccoli to this chicken pesto mozzarella pasta. This easy casserole makes a great meal that the entire family will love. Pair it with a salad and a slice of Italian bread and you have a winner!
You'll also love our Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
📖 Recipe
Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake
Video
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne rigate pasta
- 2 lbs chicken breasts cooked and chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup pesto sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Cook a 16 oz box of penne rigate in a large pot according to package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, cook the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan and cook the bite sized pieces of chicken breasts until they are cooked through.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Drain the pasta when done cooking and return to the pot. Add in the cooked chicken, pesto sauce, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
- Pour the contents into a 9x13 greased casserole dish.
- Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a 400 degree oven for 10-15 minutes to melt the cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
This nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using online calculators. Your nutritional information may vary depending on numerous factors.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use an equal amount of rotisserie chicken in this recipe. It saves on cooking time and is a great way to use up leftover chicken.
I love serving this with a side salad and some garlic bread.
You can store leftover pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days,
Neha says
I absolutely adore pesto and this pasta looks so creamy and delicious! I so need that bowl in my hands right now.
Patty at Spoonabilities says
This is the ultimate comfort food! Definitely we will be having this for dinner several times a month! Yummy!
Sally Humeniuk says
I cannot wait to make this recipe! I have to take something to my parents and my mom always requests a linguine with white sauce type of recipe so this is different enough but will definitely make her happy too. I love that you bake it all together so I can take it and she can then just bake it when she's ready. Great recipe!
Jessica Formicola says
My family loves pesto, so I know they will love this pasta! Can't wait to try it for dinner this weekend!