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Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Your Family Will Crave

This creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake features tender rotisserie chicken and penne pasta, all drizzled with pesto and topped with mozzarella—a crowd-pleaser your family will crave.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Bake
  • 1 whole Rotisserie Chicken Substitute with grilled chicken if preferred.
  • 12 ounces Penne Pasta Consider whole wheat or gluten-free options.
  • 1 cup Basil Pesto Homemade pesto can be used.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half may be used for a lighter version.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano can be substituted.
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can also be used for more flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Topping
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Gouda can be substituted for a different flavor.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Optional but recommended.
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts Walnuts can be a great alternative.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the mixing bowl with the pasta.
  4. In the mixing bowl, stir in basil pesto, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
  5. Fold the creamy mixture into the pasta and chicken until everything is well coated.
  6. Lightly grease a baking dish and pour the pasta mixture into it, spreading evenly.
  7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, and add cherry tomatoes and pine nuts if using.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 33gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For long-term storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

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