Decadent Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
A comforting pasta bake combining tender chicken and pasta in a rich, creamy pesto sauce, making it a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 10 ounces penne pasta Provides a nice bite.
- 2-3 teaspoons Italian seasoning Adds flavor to chicken.
- 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Main protein.
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking.
- Salt and pepper Salt and pepper For seasoning.
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter For making the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic Adds depth to flavor.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour For thickening the sauce.
- 1 ¼ cups chicken broth Base for the sauce.
- 1 cup half and half cream Creates creaminess.
- ¼ cup Romano cheese, freshly grated Adds sharp flavors.
- ½ cup basil pesto Brings herbaceous notes.
For Garnish
- Fresh torn basil leaves Brightens the dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start off by preparing the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Cook it al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Season the bite-sized pieces of chicken breast with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in olive oil, and add the seasoned chicken. Cook until there’s no pink left.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate. Melt butter in the skillet, and sauté minced garlic until browned and fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, cooking for a couple of minutes until golden.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking thoroughly to develop the sauce’s flavor and texture.
- Add half-and-half, stirring in as the mixture begins to simmer. Stir in Romano cheese and basil pesto until melted.
- Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, stirring everything together until well-coated in the sauce.
- Remove from heat, plate up, and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves before serving.
Notes
For deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken beforehand. Watch the garlic closely to prevent burning and adjust the sauce's consistency with additional broth if needed.