Description
A comforting dish that combines tender chicken, basil pesto, and creamy pasta for a delightful dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (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)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions recommend. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and whole milk, allowing them to gently simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Return the chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, add spinach if using, and stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and extra Parmesan over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Make-ahead tips: Prepare pasta and chicken in advance to enjoy more time with guests.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg