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
Scale
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.
