When I first made this creamy pesto chicken pasta bake, it was a chilly evening that begged for something warm, cheesy, and satisfying. The moment I pulled it from the oven, the aroma of bubbling cheese, basil, and creamy sauce filled my kitchen. This dish has since become a go-to comfort food in my home — the kind that makes family dinners feel extra cozy. The tender shredded chicken and creamy pesto sauce create a luscious base, and every bite feels like a hug in a bowl. Today, we’ll explore how to make this delicious pasta and shredded chicken recipe that’s as simple as it is indulgent.
The Heartwarming Story Behind Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
A Family Classic with a Creamy Twist
This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake reminds me of the Sunday dinners my mom used to make. The smell of melting cheese filled the house long before the timer dinged. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, the one everyone fights for the last spoonful of. Over time, I started adding my own twist — pesto for freshness and a touch of heavy cream for that silky texture. That combination transformed a regular pasta dish into something extraordinary.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance: it’s hearty yet refreshing, rich yet light enough to enjoy any night. It’s the ultimate way to turn leftover chicken into something spectacular.
Why This Creamy Pasta Bake Works Every Time
What makes this recipe stand out from other creamy pasta bake recipes is how effortlessly it combines flavors. The basil pesto adds brightness, while the creamy sauce brings depth. The mozzarella melts into a gooey layer that stretches with every forkful. It’s also endlessly adaptable — you can toss in vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for color and texture.
The best part? This creamy food is made with simple ingredients you probably already have. And if you’re looking for something visually pleasing for your dinner table, this pasta dish aesthetic definitely steals the spotlight.
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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich, creamy pesto chicken pasta bake loaded with melted cheese and basil flavor — the ultimate comfort dish.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
2 cups shredded chicken
1 cup pesto sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup mozzarella cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Cook pasta until al dente and drain
3. Mix pasta, chicken, pesto, cream, and cheese
4. Transfer to greased baking dish
5. Top with remaining cheese
6. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden
7. Cool slightly and garnish with basil before serving
Notes
Cook pasta slightly underdone to prevent mushiness.
Use fresh pesto for best flavor.
Add vegetables for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Gathering the Essentials for Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your pasta and shredded chicken recipe masterpiece:
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2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
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2 cups shredded or diced chicken (great for leftovers)
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1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Optional add-ins: cherry tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flair.
Prepping Tips for Perfect Texture
Always cook your pasta al dente since it will bake further in the oven. This keeps it from getting soggy. If using homemade pesto, blend fresh basil, olive oil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic until smooth. A fresh pesto adds a bright, herbaceous punch that elevates the creamy base.
Mix your shredded chicken with pesto and cream before adding pasta — this step ensures every piece of pasta gets coated evenly. A sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the flavor without overpowering the basil.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
Step-by-Step Process
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
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Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, chicken, pesto, cream, garlic powder, and half the mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
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Layer the mixture: Pour it into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
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Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
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Bake: Place in the oven for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Garnish and serve: Let it cool for five minutes, then top with fresh basil.
Why You’ll Love the Result
The result is creamy, cheesy, and comforting with just enough pesto flavor to make it fresh. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta while the melted cheese forms a slightly crispy crust. Each bite delivers the perfect mix of pasta, cheese, and chicken — rich yet balanced. This creamy pasta bake recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredible.
Tips, Storage & Serving Ideas
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pasta Bake
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pesto and high-quality cheese make all the difference.
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Cook Pasta Slightly Under: The pasta finishes in the oven, so avoid overcooking.
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Add Veggies: Spinach or cherry tomatoes add color and nutrients.
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Balance Cream & Cheese: Too much cheese can make it heavy; stick to the recipe ratios.
Storing and Freezing the Dish
This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake stores beautifully. Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake covered at 300°F until warmed through.
If you want to freeze it, assemble but don’t bake. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. It’s perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
Serving & FAQs
Serving Suggestions
Pair your pasta creamy masterpiece with:
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Garlic bread – for scooping up extra sauce.
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Mixed green salad – adds freshness and balances the richness.
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Crisp white wine – complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
This pasta food dish also makes a great potluck option. It reheats well, travels easily, and always earns rave reviews.
FAQs
1. Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or even shells work well — as long as they hold sauce.
2. What’s the best cheese combo?
Mozzarella gives that melty stretch, while Parmesan adds saltiness. You can also add a touch of cream cheese for extra richness.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli.
4. How do I keep the sauce from drying out?
Cover the bake with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncover to brown the cheese.
5. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Conclusion
This creamy pesto chicken pasta bake is everything comfort food should be: creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and always satisfying. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. Cooking should be joyful — and this recipe embodies that spirit perfectly.
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