Name: Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli); 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced); 1/2 cup pesto (jarred or homemade); 4 oz cream cheese (or 1/2 cup heavy cream); 1/2 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup baby spinach, or 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)

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Creamy pesto chicken pasta bake is a rich, comforting dish that brings together tender pasta, juicy chicken, and vibrant pesto in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole-style meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep when I want something cozy and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the best of both worlds—easy to make and loaded with bold, comforting flavors. The creamy pesto sauce coats every bite of pasta and chicken, and the bubbly cheese topping adds that irresistible finishing touch. It’s a complete meal in one dish, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers. Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work great)
cooked chicken (shredded or diced, grilled or rotisserie)
jarred or homemade pesto
cream cheese or heavy cream
milk
shredded mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
garlic (minced)
olive oil or butter
salt and black pepper
optional: cherry tomatoes, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
I cook the pasta until al dente, drain, and set it aside.
In a skillet, I heat olive oil or butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
I add the cream cheese (or heavy cream and a splash of milk), stirring until smooth and creamy.
I stir in the pesto, salt, pepper, and a bit of Parmesan cheese to build the sauce.
I combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and any optional add-ins with the sauce in a large mixing bowl.
I pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, top with mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
I bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
I let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, so I usually have it ready in about 40 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken for cooked turkey or sausage for a different flavor. For a veggie boost, I mix in steamed broccoli, spinach, or zucchini. If I want it spicy, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy pesto. To make it gluten-free, I use gluten-free pasta and check that the pesto is gluten-free too.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. It also freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready. Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. I assemble the pasta bake, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. I add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What kind of pesto works best?

I usually use basil pesto, but sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto also work great and give the dish a different flavor profile.

Can I use leftover cooked pasta?

Absolutely. I just make sure it’s not overcooked so it holds up well when baked.

How can I make this dish lighter?

I use light cream cheese or Greek yogurt in the sauce and go easy on the cheese topping. I also use whole grain or chickpea pasta for extra protein and fiber.

What can I serve with this pasta bake?

It pairs well with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread for a full meal.

Conclusion

Creamy pesto chicken pasta bake is one of my favorite comfort meals—it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy days. Whether I’m cooking for family, guests, or just myself, this dish always hits the spot.