Description
A delightful dish combining chicken, pasta, and a rich cream sauce enhanced by basil pesto, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
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)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil salted water in a large pot, cook pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions, drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, season chicken with salt and pepper, and sauté until cooked through and golden, about 5–6 minutes.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and whole milk, bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in basil pesto and grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Return chicken, pasta, and spinach (if using) to the sauce, tossing until evenly coated.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or different veggies. To make it lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg