This creamy basil pesto chicken pasta bake is a warm hug in a dish! It mixes tender pasta, juicy chicken, and tasty basil pesto for a meal that’s super comforting.
Honestly, who can resist cheesy goodness topped with fresh basil? I love whipping this up on a busy night. It’s easy to make and even easier to devour! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: I love using penne for its ability to hold the sauce nicely. If you don’t have penne, feel free to use rigatoni or fusilli, which are great alternatives.
Cooked Chicken: Diced rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds great flavor. If you prefer, you could use shredded turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Basil Pesto: Homemade pesto is amazing, but store-bought works just fine! If you’re looking for a nut-free option, try blending spinach with olive oil and a little lemon juice instead.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and rich, why not substitute with cottage cheese if you’re watching calories? It’ll still be delicious and with a lighter texture!
Mozzarella Cheese: While mozzarella gives that gooey texture, feel free to mix in some cheddar for a sharper flavor, or use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
Using pre-cooked chicken makes things easy, but sautéing it with onions and garlic builds flavor. Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken in the skillet—just warm it through. This prevents it from getting dry.
- Heat oil, then add chopped onion and garlic over medium heat until softened. It should be fragrant in about 3-4 minutes.
- Next, add your chicken, season with salt and pepper, and stir occasionally for just a few minutes to warm it up.
Following these tips ensures your chicken stays juicy and flavorful in the pasta bake! Happy cooking!
How to Make Creamy Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Time Needed:
This creamy basil pesto chicken pasta bake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at a total time of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, your oven is nice and hot when the pasta bake is ready for baking!
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are soft and fragrant. This step really builds the flavor!
4. Warm the Chicken:
Add the diced cooked chicken to your skillet. Stir it around to warm it through for about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Mix Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, the chicken mixture, basil pesto, ricotta cheese, sour cream (or heavy cream), and half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until it’s all evenly coated with the creamy goodness.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer this delicious mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it bakes nicely.
7. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta bake. This will create a beautifully gooey and cheesy topping.
8. Bake:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
9. Rest and Garnish:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will make serving easier. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a lovely touch!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in! This creamy basil pesto chicken pasta bake is comforting, flavorful, and sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the penne pasta with any gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package to achieve the right texture.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese for a similar texture, or cream cheese for a richer flavor. Just blend it a bit to soften the texture before mixing it into the bake.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
