Description
A delightful dish combining tender chicken and pasta in a rich and creamy basil pesto sauce, perfect for any dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10.5 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (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, for extra nutrition)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and 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, 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 until cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat, add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, bringing to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in the basil pesto and Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted.
- Return the chicken, drained pasta, and spinach (if using) to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle mozzarella and extra Parmesan on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a lighter option, consider using a reduced-fat cream alternative, and feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or mushrooms for a variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg