Looking for a quick and easy dinner option that is both delicious and satisfying? Look no further than this easy creamy chicken pesto pasta bake recipe.
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With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something tasty without all the fuss.
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To start, all you need is some boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a jar of your favorite pesto sauce, some heavy cream, pasta, and a bit of shredded Parmesan cheese.
Simply mix everything together in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let it cook until the chicken is tender and the sauce is bubbly and golden brown.
The result is a creamy, flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it with a side salad, some crusty bread, or your favorite pasta, this easy creamy chicken pesto bake is sure to hit the spot and leave you feeling satisfied and content. So why not give it a try tonight and see for yourself just how delicious and easy it can be?
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Essential Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pesto Bake
When it comes to making a delicious creamy chicken pesto bake, selecting the right ingredients is key. Here are some essential ingredients that you should consider when making this dish.
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Selecting the Best Chicken Breasts
To make a flavorful chicken pesto bake, it is important to choose high-quality chicken breasts. Look for chicken breasts that are fresh and free of any blemishes or bruises.
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe. If you opt for bone-in chicken breasts, be sure to remove the bones before baking.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Pesto
The pesto sauce is the star of this dish, so choosing the right pesto is crucial. You can use either store-bought or homemade pesto for this recipe. If you have the time, making your own pesto is a great option as it allows you to control the quality and flavor of the sauce.
Homemade pesto typically contains fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. However, if you’re short on time, store-bought pesto can be a convenient option.
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Choosing the Right Cheese
Cheese is an important ingredient in this dish as it adds creaminess and flavor. For this recipe, you will need shredded mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and cream cheese.
Be sure to use high-quality cheese for the best results. Freshly grated parmesan cheese will add a nutty and salty flavor to the dish, while cream cheese will add a creamy texture.
In addition to these ingredients, you will also need garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to season the chicken and add flavor to the dish. By using high-quality ingredients and following the recipe closely, you can make a delicious and easy creamy chicken pesto bake that is sure to impress your family and friends.
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
To get started with this easy creamy chicken pesto bake recipe, preheat your oven to 375°F. Then, prepare the chicken by seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
Assembling the Bake
Next, it’s time to assemble the bake. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cooked pasta, and pesto sauce. Mix everything together until the chicken and pasta are evenly coated with the sauce. Then, add in the heavy cream and mix it in until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top the bake with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top. This will give the bake a golden, crispy crust when it’s baked.
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Baking to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken pesto bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This will ensure that the chicken is tender and juicy, and fully cooked through.
Once the bake is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This easy creamy chicken pesto bake is a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week.
For more details on the cooking method and ingredients, refer to the recipe card. This recipe is a great example of Italian cuisine that you can make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Enjoy!
Easy Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for greasing)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, mix together the pesto sauce and heavy cream until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In the same bowl, add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and cherry tomatoes (if using). Stir until everything is evenly coated with the pesto cream sauce.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.
Additionally, if you are gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free pasta and check the labels of all other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.
Overall, our Easy Creamy Chicken Pesto Bake can be a healthy and satisfying meal option when consumed in moderation and with consideration to your individual dietary needs.
Serving and Storage Tips
Accompaniments and Side Dishes
To complement the flavors of the Easy Creamy Chicken Pesto Bake, you can serve it with a side salad or over a bed of rice or pasta. For a heartier meal, you can also serve it with mashed potatoes. Fresh basil can be used as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Proper Storage for Freshness
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Easy Creamy Chicken Pesto Bake can be reheated in the oven or microwave. To ensure the best taste and texture, consume the leftovers within 3-4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for a creamy chicken pesto bake?
To make a creamy chicken pesto bake, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pasta, heavy cream, pesto sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
How long does it take to prepare and cook a creamy chicken pesto bake?
Preparation time for a creamy chicken pesto bake is about 15 minutes, while cooking time takes about 30 minutes. The total time to prepare and cook the dish is around 45 minutes.
Can I use homemade pesto in a creamy chicken pesto bake, and how does it affect the flavor?
Yes, you can use homemade pesto in a creamy chicken pesto bake. It adds a fresh and unique flavor to the dish, and it is a great way to use up any leftover homemade pesto you may have.
What is the best type of pasta to use for a creamy chicken pesto bake?
The best type of pasta to use for a creamy chicken pesto bake is penne pasta. It has a sturdy shape that holds up well with the creamy sauce and the chicken.
Are there any variations to the traditional creamy chicken pesto bake recipe that incorporate cream cheese?
Yes, there are variations of the traditional creamy chicken pesto bake recipe that incorporate cream cheese. Adding cream cheese to the recipe can make the dish even creamier and richer in flavor.
How can I modify the creamy chicken pesto bake recipe to make it healthier?
To make the creamy chicken pesto bake recipe healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta, use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese used in the recipe. You can also add more vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini to increase the nutritional value of the dish.
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