Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Indulge in this Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake, a comforting casserole that brings together tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and a rich tomato sauce. Topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella, this dish is baked to golden perfection, making it the ideal choice for a satisfying family dinner.

Merken

This recipe is a brilliant fusion of Italian-American flavors. By combining store-bought or homemade pesto with a simple marinara base, you create a complex sauce that perfectly coats every piece of penne and chicken.

Ingredients

• 300 g (10.5 oz) penne or rigatoni
• 2 medium chicken breasts (about 350 g/12 oz), diced
• 120 g (1/2 cup) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 300 ml (1 1/4 cups) tomato passata or marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 200 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella
• 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).

Step 2

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato passata (or marinara sauce) and half of the pesto. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken mixture, half of the mozzarella, and remaining pesto. Stir gently until evenly mixed.

Step 6

Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 8

Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version of this dish.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted vegetables. You can also use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.

Serviervorschläge

Pair with a crisp, dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio for the perfect dining experience.

Merken

With its bubbling cheese and savory aroma, this Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is sure to become a recurring favorite in your kitchen repertoire. Enjoy the simple preparation and rich, Italian-inspired flavors.