Description
A cozy, comforting dish that combines creamy pesto and chicken with pasta, creating a family-favorite meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup basil pesto (about 8 oz)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or extra cheese for topping (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in pesto, salt, and pepper until smooth. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken, and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top, then add breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving; garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Use unsalted butter if replacing olive oil; store-bought pesto saves time. Rotisserie chicken is a quick option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg