If you are on the hunt for a comforting, flavor-packed dish that feels both hearty and fresh, this Indulgent Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender bowtie pasta enveloped in a luscious, creamy pesto sauce, studded with juicy pieces of chicken and vibrant green spinach, all melting under a golden, cheesy crust. It strikes that perfect balance between indulgence and wholesome goodness, making it an irresistible weeknight winner that your family will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is surprisingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and textures you’ll love. From creamy cooking cream to fresh baby spinach, every element enhances the pasta bake’s richness and color.
- 250 grams Bowtie Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape, but bowties work wonderfully to hold onto the creamy pesto sauce.
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken: Leftover grilled, BBQ, or smoked chicken brings a smoky, savory depth, but any cooked chicken will work beautifully.
- 1 cup Cooking Cream: This provides the silky, indulgent texture; feel free to swap with regular cream or a dairy-free alternative.
- 2 cups Baby Spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a slight earthy note; kale or other leafy greens are fine substitutes.
- 2 cups Grated Cheese: A blend of mozzarella, cheddar, or vegan cheese creates that irresistible cheesy crust and gooey interior.
- 1/2 cup Pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, this is the heart of the dish, infusing fragrant basil flavors and a hint of garlic.
How to Make Indulgent Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your bowtie pasta in generously salted water until al dente—it should have just enough bite to hold up in the bake without turning mushy. Drain, reserving a bit of the pasta water for later, which can help loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Pesto Sauce
In a large pan, gently warm the cooking cream over medium-low heat. Stir in the pesto, blending until smooth and aromatic. The creamy sauce will give a luxurious base for the pasta and chicken to soak up all those rich flavors.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Greens
Fold in the cooked chicken pieces along with the baby spinach. The heat from the sauce will slightly wilt the greens, making every bite both colorful and nutritious while the chicken adds protein-packed satisfaction.
Step 4: Mix Pasta and Sauce
Toss the drained pasta into the creamy pesto mixture, ensuring every bowtie is coated. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water to loosen it—a helpful trick for that perfect consistency.
Step 5: Assemble and Top with Cheese
Transfer everything into a buttered baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the top, promising a bubbly, golden finish after baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and slightly crispy around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a delicious reward on its own!
How to Serve Indulgent Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your pasta bake with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an appealing finish and added texture.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables to balance out the creamy richness of the pasta bake.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta bake in individual ramekins for a charming presentation or layer it in a clear glass casserole dish so everyone can admire the beautiful layers before digging in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled pasta bake before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time as needed until it’s hot and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for convenience, stirring halfway to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works great to hold onto the sauce, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni can be swapped in without affecting the overall deliciousness.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substituting the cooking cream with coconut or oat-based cream and using vegan cheese will keep the dish creamy and tasty while making it suitable for dairy-free diets.
What can I do if I don’t have leftover chicken?
Fresh chicken breasts or thighs can be cooked quickly by pan-searing or baking before shredding and adding to the pasta. Rotisserie chicken from the store is also a great shortcut.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the pasta bake a day before, store it in the fridge, and bake just before serving, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies such as cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers, or mushrooms to boost flavor and nutrition, either mixing them into the sauce or scattering on top before baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Indulgent Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe with those you care about. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, comforting, and utterly satisfying. I hope you try it soon and find it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen as well!
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Indulgent Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and comforting creamy pesto chicken pasta bake featuring tender cooked chicken, bowtie pasta, vibrant spinach, and a luscious blend of cheeses. This easy-to-make casserole combines the fresh flavors of pesto with a creamy sauce, baked to bubbly perfection for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta & Protein
- 250 grams Bowtie Pasta (any pasta shape can be used as a substitute)
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken (leftover grilled, BBQ, or smoked chicken works perfectly)
Vegetables & Greens
- 2 cups Baby Spinach (can be replaced with kale or other leafy greens)
Sauce & Dairy
- 1 cup Cooking Cream (can be swapped for regular cream or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup Pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups Grated Cheese (blend your favorites like mozzarella, cheddar, or vegan cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the pasta dish evenly.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the bowtie pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooking cream and pesto until smooth and well-blended.
- Assemble the Bake: Add the cooked chicken, baby spinach, and the drained pasta to the cream and pesto mixture. Mix everything until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce.
- Layer and Top: Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly across the top to create a cheesy topping that will melt and brown beautifully.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the bake to set slightly for easier serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the bowtie pasta with penne, fusilli, or any preferred shape.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and vegan pesto and cheese alternatives.
- Leftover grilled, BBQ, or smoked chicken adds extra smoky flavor but plain cooked chicken works fine.
- Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added texture.
- If you like a crispier top, broil the pasta bake for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
