Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake – Easy Oven Dinner Recipe

 

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake

★★★★★ 4.9 (680 reviews)

If you’re searching for a rich, creamy, and comforting dinner, this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake is the perfect recipe. It combines tender seasoned chicken, silky pesto cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked together with melted cheese on top.

This dish is easy to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The creamy pesto sauce coats every bite of pasta and chicken, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 9 oz tagliatelle pasta (about 3 cups)
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Chicken

• 12 oz chicken breast, sliced

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried parsley

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Pesto Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup milk
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 tablespoons green pesto
• 3 tablespoons reserved pasta water
• ½ cup shredded cheese

For Topping

• ½ cup shredded cheese
• 1 tomato, sliced

Instructions

Step 1 –  1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add salt. Cook the tagliatelle for about 10–12 minutes until al dente. Before draining, reserve 3 tablespoons of pasta water.

Step 2 –  Season the Chicken

Place the sliced chicken breast in a bowl and add salt, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, dried parsley, and olive oil. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated with the seasoning.

Step 3 – Cook the Chicken 

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4 – Prepare the Cream Sauce

In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously until smooth. Add salt, garlic powder, cumin, and thyme.

Step 5 – Add Cream, Pesto and Parmesan

Stir in the heavy cream, green pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until it becomes creamy and rich. Reserve about ¾ cup of the sauce for later.

Step 6 – Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the remaining sauce and mix until well coated.

Step 7 – Assemble the Dish

Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Place the cooked chicken slices on top. Pour the reserved sauce over everything, sprinkle shredded cheese, and add tomato slices.

Step 8 – Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes golden.

Tips for the Best Pasta Bake

• Whisk continuously when preparing the sauce to prevent lumps.

• Add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving.

• Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work perfectly in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the pasta bake and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can this dish be frozen?

Yes. You can freeze it before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

What vegetables can I add to this recipe?

Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or zucchini pair very well with the creamy pesto sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and melted cheese baked to perfection. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Once you try this recipe, it might quickly become one of your favorite pasta dishes.

💬What ingredient would you add to make this pasta bake even more delicious?