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–+ servings
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Savor Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta for Cozy Nights In

Indulge in Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, a comforting dish perfect for cozy evenings and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 700
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Penne, Rigatoni, Fusilli, or Ziti Choose your preferred type or gluten-free options.
For the Chicken
  • 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Diced for ease.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Butter Can be replaced with olive oil.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Increase for richer experience.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Can swap for low-fat.
  • 1 cup Basil Pesto Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated; substitute with nutritional yeast.
For Extra Flavor
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach Optional.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded.

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Bring salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Cook the pasta for about 2 minutes less than package directions.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, sauté until golden brown.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, then stir in cream and milk, simmer until thickened. Stir in pesto and Parmesan.
  5. Combine sautéed chicken, pasta, and spinach into the creamy sauce, mixing well.
  6. Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  8. Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 700kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 45gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to customize with extra greens or different cheeses as per your liking.

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