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Creamy Baked Pesto Chicken Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella

creamy baked pesto chicken pasta - featured image
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A comforting and easy baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and melty fresh mozzarella, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly or cubed
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto (fresh or good-quality store-bought)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, add to skillet, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a bowl.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until blended and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Add drained pasta and cooked chicken to the sauce mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the top.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Pat mozzarella slices dry if thick to reduce moisture and prevent watery casserole. Do not overcrowd the pan when sautéing chicken to ensure browning. Resting the dish after baking helps flavors meld and makes serving easier. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked pasta, pesto chicken pasta, creamy pasta, fresh mozzarella, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://evabake.com/creamy-baked-pesto-chicken-pasta-with-fresh-mozzarella-recipe-made-easy/