Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake
Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake
If you have been following my recipes then you should know that I love an easy one pot meal. You will definitely need to add this one to your collection! It is easy, quick and delicious. Recently we took a family trip and my daughter was obsessed with the pesto pasta she ordered from the resort. Of course whenever we got home, she asked me to make her some and of course I did. This is another recipe that you can get creative with. I used chicken breast but you could use chicken thighs and I penne pasta but you can use any pasta of your choice. To make it easy, I used jar pesto but feel free to make your own. Cut 2 chicken breasts into small pieces. Season with 1 tbsp of garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp cajun seasoning and 1 tbsp of paprika.
In a pan, add 1 tbsp of butter and once its melted, add the chicken. Fully cook the chicken breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Once cooked, set aside.
In the same pan, add 1 tbsp of butter and 1 tsp of minced garlic. Once the butter melts, add 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, 1/3 cup of shredded parmesan cheese and 1 tsp of red pepper flakes and stir well.
Simmer about 5-7 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken. Season the sauce with salt & pepper (to taste) and 1 tbsp of garlic salt. Stir well. Add 1 8 oz jar of pesto sauce and stir.
Make sure the sauce is seasoned to your liking. Add 1 package of cooked pasta of your choice and the cooked chicken breast to the sauce and stir well.
Once the chicken and pasta are mixed in, add it to an oven-safe baking dish.
Top with extra shredded parmesan cheese and add to a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Remove from the oven and serve.
Serve with a salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Serve and ENJOY!
Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 lb box of penne pasta
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic salt
- salt & pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 8 oz jar of pesto sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- shredded parmesan cheese (as needed on top)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, cajun seasoning and paprika. Make sure the chicken is fully seasoned.
- Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a pan and add the chicken breasts. Fully cook the chicken breasts and set aside.
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp of butter and minced garlic. Once the butter has melted, add heavy cream, parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes and stir well.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken. Season the sauce with garlic salt and salt & pepper (to taste). Make sure it is seasoned to your liking.
- Add 1 jar of pesto sauce and stir well.
- Add the cooked chicken pieces and cooked pasta to the sauce and stir well.
- Once the chicken and pasta are mixed in, add it to an oven-safe dish.
- Top the pasta with extra parmesan cheese.
- Add to a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Remove from the oven and serve and ENJOY!
Hi there, I’m Shauntra! My blog is full of recipes made with simple ingredients for delicious food. Read more about me.
