Description
A comforting and delicious pasta dish combining tender chicken, rich cream, and vibrant basil pesto.
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.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions, keeping it just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, and sauté until cooked through and lightly golden, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and whole milk, bringing to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in basil pesto and grated Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is smooth and melted.
- Return the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and optional spinach to the sauce. Toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly sprinkle shredded 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
Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Pairs well with a light side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg