Name: Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz. tube-shaped pasta (rigatoni, mezzi rigatoni, or tortiglioni); 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning; 1 tsp. paprika; 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided; 1/2 tsp. black pepper; 1 to 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil or 2 Tbsp. oil from jarred roasted tomatoes; 3/4 cup minced shallots; 4 garlic cloves, minced; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes; 1 cup jarred roasted tomatoes, thinly sliced (or 1/2 cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes); 2 to 3 handfuls fresh baby spinach; 1/2 cup pesto; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided; 3 to 4 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, torn; Chopped fresh basil for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 3 reviews

There is nothing quite like a rich, comforting pasta bake to bring warmth and happiness to your dinner table, and this Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is an absolute dream. Combining tender chunks of juicy chicken with a luscious pesto cream sauce, fresh spinach, and melty cheeses, this dish is a perfect balance of vibrant flavors and indulgent comfort. Whether you’re cooking for the family or a cozy night in, this recipe is easy to follow and rewards you with a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with several pieces of raw chicken thighs coated in a reddish-brown spice mix with visible seasoning like herbs and pepper, sitting on a white marbled surface. The chicken pieces show a mix of smooth and slightly rough textures from the spice rub, with some areas appearing shiny from oil or marinade. The bowl is centered in the frame without any other objects around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this dish lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building up layers of flavor, texture, and those beautiful pops of color that make this bake so satisfying and inviting.

12 oz. pasta of choice: I recommend tube-shaped pasta like rigatoni to hold the sauce perfectly in every bite.
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed: Tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the seasonings beautifully.
1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that gives the chicken a classic Mediterranean twist.
1 tsp. paprika: Adds a warm, smoky depth and a gentle color boost.
1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided: Enhances every element while balancing the flavors.
1/2 tsp. black pepper: Provides a subtle kick to the savory base.
1 to 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing that keeps ingredients moist and flavorful.
3/4 cup minced shallots: Brings a gentle sweetness and complexity to the dish.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with its unmistakable, aromatic punch.
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes: Just a hint of heat to brighten things up.
1 cup jarred roasted tomatoes, thinly sliced (or ½ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes): Adds vibrant acidity and umami.
2 to 3 handfuls fresh baby spinach: Fresh green goodness that wilts down to tender perfection.
1/2 cup pesto: The herbaceous star that ties everything together with earthy basil and pine nuts.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided: For sharp, nutty flavor and golden topping.
3 to 4 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, torn: Melts into gooey, delicious pockets throughout the bake.
Chopped fresh basil for garnish: Brightens the finished dish with fresh herbal notes.

How to Make Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your pasta in generously salted water until it’s just shy of al dente. This ensures the pasta will finish cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy. Don’t forget to scoop out a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; this starchy water is liquid gold for making your sauce nice and creamy!

Step 2: Season and Sauté the Chicken

Place those juicy cubed chicken breasts in a bowl and toss them with fragrant Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil. This seasoning creates a beautiful flavor base that sings through every bite. Heat a large oven-safe skillet, sauté the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through (about 8 minutes), then transfer to a bowl to rest. This step locks in the juiciness and develops a lovely crust.

Step 3: Build the Flavor with Shallots and Garlic

In the same pan, cook the minced shallots until wonderfully soft and translucent, then add the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes for a minute to wake up those flavors. Stir in the roasted tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes along with fresh baby spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts and everything melds together. The tomatoes inject tang and umami, while the spinach adds freshness and beautiful color.

Step 4: Combine Pesto, Cream, and Pasta

Next, stir in pesto and heavy cream, creating the luscious sauce foundation. Return the pasta along with half a cup of the reserved cooking water to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats every piece of pasta. Add more pasta water if needed—creaminess is key here! Finally, stir in one-third cup of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and the cooked chicken, folding everything together into cheesy comfort perfection.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Broil

Now comes the irresistible part—scatter torn fresh mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Pop the skillet under a hot broiler for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheeses bubble, melt, and form a golden, irresistible crust. The broil step gives the bake a stunning finish that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

The image shows a bowl of rigatoni pasta mixed with wilted spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, all coated in a creamy, light orange sauce. The rigatoni is arranged unevenly in the wide, white bowl, with some pasta stacked over others. There are visible small flakes of grated cheese and some chili flakes sprinkled on top, adding texture and color contrast. A few fresh basil leaves rest on the pasta, providing bright green highlights. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, accompanied by a piece of orange cheese and a white cloth with fringes at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always like to sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top right before serving. The bright green leaves lift the earthy pesto and add a fresh, herbal aroma that beautifully balances the rich cheese and creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This hearty pasta bake goes great with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables to add texture and refresh the palate. Some crunchy focaccia or garlic bread also pairs wonderfully, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that glorious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish family-style straight from the skillet for a cozy, inviting feel, or portion it into individual ramekins for a more elegant touch when entertaining. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil on top can bring an extra layer of flavor and sophistication to the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to separate any additional cheese toppings if you want to keep them fresh and add them after reheating.

Freezing

This bake freezes beautifully: just portion into freezer-safe containers and cover tightly. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to bring the sauce back to that creamy consistency. You can also reheat in a microwave, but be sure to cover and stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While tube-shaped pasta works best to trap sauce, you can use penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just be sure to adjust cooking times for the pasta you choose.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichokes. You might want to boost the seasoning slightly to maintain flavor depth.

Can I prepare the Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can cook all the components, assemble the dish, and keep it in the fridge for up to a day before baking and broiling it fresh. This makes it great for easy weeknight dinners.

What kind of pesto is best to use?

Traditional basil pesto is ideal here, either homemade or a good-quality store-bought version. It has just the right herby brightness to complement the creamy sauce and chicken.

How spicy is this pasta bake?

The crushed red pepper flakes add only a subtle hint of heat, making this dish mild enough for most palates. You can always adjust or omit the flakes depending on your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for sharing, this Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is a fantastic choice. Every spoonful promises creamy, cheesy comfort with a fresh herbal twist. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your go-to meals that will bring smiles around your table time and again.