Description
A comforting one-pot meal featuring tender pasta, rich creamy sauce, vibrant pesto, and succulent chicken.
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 the 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, then sauté until cooked through and lightly golden, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for around 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Mix in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan, stirring until smooth and melted.
- Return the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and spinach (if using) to the sauce. Toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for an elevated experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, chicken pasta, pesto pasta, weeknight dinner, one pot meal