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Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake: A Family Favorite Delight

Enjoy a comforting Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake featuring chicken, spinach, and roasted tomatoes, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz tube-shaped pasta (rigatoni or tortiglioni) for capturing the creamy sauce
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1.25 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil for sautéing
For the Aromatics
  • 3/4 cup shallots minced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • crushed red pepper flakes optional
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup roasted tomatoes thinly sliced
  • 2 to 3 handfuls fresh baby spinach
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup pesto
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese freshly grated
  • 3 to 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese torn
  • fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Oven-safe skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz. of tube-shaped pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Sauté Chicken: In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the cubed chicken, seasoned with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for about 8 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add minced shallots and sauté for approximately 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and optional crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute. Stir in thinly sliced roasted tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.
  4. Combine Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in pesto and heavy cream. Blend until smooth and add drained pasta with reserved cooking water. Toss together until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
  5. Bake: Preheat the broiler to high. Mix half of the Parmigiano-Reggiano into the pasta with sautéed chicken. Distribute torn mozzarella on top, followed by remaining cheese. Broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 34gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is family-friendly, easy to prepare, and makes for a comforting meal any night of the week. Perfect for freezer-friendly options.

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