Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Bursting with Flavour

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Flavour Explosion

By Marcus O’NeillSeptember 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Craving Comfort?

Fancy a dish that's both ridiculously tasty and super comforting? Then look no further! This PESTO CHICKEN PASTA BAKE Creamy creation is about to become your new best mate in the kitchen.

Honestly, the pesto and chicken combination will make your taste buds sing.

Brief Overview: A Twist on a Classic

Pasta bakes are a staple, aren't they? This Italian chicken pasta bake recipe elevates a beloved family meal, thanks to the addition of fragrant pesto.

It's straightforward enough for a weeknight, clocking in at around 55 minutes. The yield's a generous 6-8 servings perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Main Benefits: Health and Happiness on a Plate

Chicken veggie pasta offers a good balance of protein, carbs, and some sneaky veggies. Its perfect for a chilly evening.

Plus, this easy pesto chicken pasta bake is genuinely special, blending creamy comfort with vibrant pesto flavour. It will become your next chicken pasta meal prep, for real!

Ready for the ingredient lineup?

What You'll Need for This Baked Pasta Chicken Masterpiece

This creamy pesto pasta bake recipe is truly a flavour explosion. You'll start with the essentials : chicken breasts (1.

5 lbs, diced), your favorite pasta (1 lb), proper good pesto, of course and then the creamy components. Mozzarella pesto chicken pasta bake is made with 2 cups, plus cream cheese (8oz) for that extra lushness.

First, we'll tackle the Pesto chicken pasta bake with cream cheese :

Let's Get This Baked Pasta Chicken Started

You know, making baked pasta chicken always feels a bit like cheating in the best way possible. The oven does all the hard work! But before we get to the baking, there's a bit of prep.

Chicken and Pesto Perfection

The chicken and pesto combo is a match made in heaven, honestly . Cooking the chicken right is key, getting that golden crust and sealing in all those delicious juices.

Don't overcook the chicken or it will be dry.

Now, onto the ingredient list, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Our Bake On!

Right, so you wanna make this PESTO CHICKEN PASTA BAKE Creamy goodness, eh? Let's talk about what you'll need to make this a weeknight winner or perfect Italian chicken pasta bake .

It's easier than building an IKEA flatpack, promise! I’ve messed this up more times than I care to admit, so trust me, getting these bits right really helps.

Main Players: Ingredients Breakdown

Listen up, using good ingredients makes ALL the difference in this creamy pesto pasta bake recipe . Think of it like this: cheap pesto is like instant coffee functional, but not exactly a flavour bomb.

Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless breasts. Go for free range if you can! You want it cut into 1 inch pieces, like posh chicken nuggets.
Pasta: 1 lb (454g) of your fave short pasta. Penne, rotini, or fusilli. Avoid spaghetti. Trust me.
Butter: 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted. Don’t skimp!
Flour: 4 tbsp (32g) all-purpose. This thickens the sauce, so measure carefully!
Milk: 3 cups (710ml) whole milk. This is crucial for that creamy texture.
Cream Cheese: 8 oz (227g). Crucially SOFTENED! Seriously, take it out of the fridge now. Cold cream cheese equals lumpy sauce. Not a vibe.
Pesto: ½ cup (approx 4 oz/113g). Good quality, like proper good. Shop bought is fine if you're in a rush but homemade really shines!
Parmesan: ½ cup grated (approx 50g) + ¼ cup (approx 25g) for topping. Go proper Italian hard cheese and not the powdery stuff!
Mozzarella: 2 cups shredded (approx 200g). The pre-shredded stuff is fine for the mozzarella pesto chicken pasta bake , honestly.
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp . For sautéing the chicken.
Garlic Powder: 1 tsp
Onion Powder: 1 tsp
Salt: ½ tsp + more for seasoning.
Pepper: ¼ tsp
Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ tsp (optional). For a bit of a kick.

Seasoning: Adding the Oomph

Right, seasoning is key, innit? Get this right and you've got chicken and pesto magic going on.

Garlic and onion powder are your base. Don’t underestimate them, the flavour really helps that tasty baked pasta chicken .
Red pepper flakes add a cheeky heat. Think of it as a secret weapon.
Taste and adjust as you go! Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away.

Equipment: Keep It Simple

You don't need loads of fancy kit for this easy pesto chicken pasta bake , thankfully. My kitchen looks like a bomb site half the time!

Large Pot: For boiling the pasta. Obvious, but crucial.
Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
9x13 inch Baking Dish: For the actual bake. A casserole dish works too!
Whisk: For making the sauce smooth as silk.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring everything together.

Fancy pans aren’t necessary for a good chicken veggie pasta recipe; your everyday essentials will do! If you ain't got a baking dish grab yourself and Oven safe skillet.

Right then, let's get down to business with this Creamy PESTO CHICKEN PASTA BAKE recipe! Honestly, this is comfort food on steroids.

Think Jamie Oliver having a love affair with Nando's, but all baked up nice and bubbly.

Prepping Like a Pro: The Secret to a Stress Free Baked Pasta Chicken

First things first, let's talk mise en place, because that's French for 'get your act together'. Chop your 680g chicken into inch sized bits.

Get all those spices lined up 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper.

Then, weigh out your pasta, 454g and get that water boiling. Seriously, organisation is your best mate here. Safety wise, watch those fingers with the knife! We don't want any culinary casualties.

Let's Get Cooking: Your step-by-step Baked Pesto Chicken Pasta Journey

Alright, follow these steps, and you'll be tucking into a creamy pesto pasta bake recipe in no time:

Boil your pasta until it's al dente. You know, with a bit of bite. Drain it well.
Sizzle that chicken in 1 tbsp olive oil until cooked. The internal temperature should be 165° F/ 74° C .
Melt 57g butter in a skillet. Whisk in 32g flour and cook for a minute.
Gradually add 710ml milk, whisking until smooth. Simmer it.
Stir in 227g softened cream cheese, then 113g pesto, 50g Parmesan, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you fancy. This where the chicken and pesto magic happens
Toss in the pasta and chicken. Make sure it's all coated in that lush sauce.
Chuck it all into a baking dish and top with 200g mozzarella and 25g Parmesan.
Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes until it's golden and bubbly.

Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Pro Tips: From Good to Epic

Honestly, the best shortcut is softened cream cheese. Trying to whisk cold cream cheese into hot milk will give you lumps and zero pleasure.

Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps in the sauce. To get a head start on this Chicken Pasta Meal Prep , cook the chicken and pasta in advance, store separately, then assemble and bake later.

I once tried to rush this, and the chicken was still a bit pink inside not a good look.

There you go, that's how you bake the perfect Italian chicken pasta bake .

The flavour of the Easy pesto chicken pasta bake shines through, so use a good quality store-bought or homemade version.

If you fancy the Weeknight pesto chicken pasta bake to be a little spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.

Want to make it a Chicken Veggie Pasta ? Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.

How about adding a layer of bacon to make Mozzarella pesto chicken pasta bake extra special? And giving the Baked Pasta Chicken a few minutes to rest allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the cheese to set.

This Creamy PESTO CHICKEN PASTA BAKE is the creamy pesto pasta bake recipe of your dreams! Get stuck in!

Recipe Notes to Natter About

Right then, let’s dive into a few extra bits about this cracking PESTO CHICKEN PASTA BAKE Creamy . I'm telling you, this ain't just a recipe, it's an experience.

I mean, honestly, this is a recipe that you can easily tweak based on what you have in the fridge! You know? So feel free to be adventurous.

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation Ideas

Presentation is key, innit? For a rustic touch, serve straight from the baking dish. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top brightens it up.

Otherwise you can go all out and plate it, with some garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad. For drinks? A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio works a treat.

That creamy pesto pasta bake recipe will be the star, no matter what.

Storage Tips: Keeping Your Leftovers Safe and Scrumptious

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Italian chicken pasta bake keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container.

Freezing is an option too. Portion it out first, and it'll be ready for a quick reheat. For reheating, oven is best to keep that crispy top, but the microwave is a quick fix too.

Variations: Twists and Turns for Every Taste

Fancy a change? Go veggie and swap the chicken for roasted veggies. Mushrooms, peppers, courgettes - go wild! Need it dairy-free? Try using a plant based cream cheese alternative.

You could even swap out the regular pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto. Talk about flavour!

This easy pesto chicken pasta bake can be a bit different every time, the base remains the same, but you can go all out experimenting.

Nutrition Basics: A Wholesome Treat

Okay, let’s be real this baked pasta chicken is comfort food. But that doesn't mean it can't have some goodness.

Chicken is a lean protein source. Plus, you are getting some vitamins from the pesto. Just remember, like everything else, moderation is key.

This chicken veggie pasta will be great for you.

Honestly, making this pesto chicken pasta bake with cream cheese is simple, and it's such a crowd pleaser. The weeknight pesto chicken pasta bake is a life saver for when you're on a rush.

Don't be afraid to have a go, chuck in whatever you have, and have some fun! You will get a great Chicken and pesto dinner.

The Chicken pasta meal prep option is good for a fast lunch for work! Enjoy, you cheeky devils!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Creamy ahead of time? Like, prep it on a Wednesday for a Friday night feast?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire bake (up to the point of adding the cheese topping) and store it, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add the cheese and follow the baking instructions. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time, as it will be starting from cold.

Help! My cream sauce is lumpy. What did I do wrong and how can I fix it?

Lumpy sauce is a common kitchen woe! The most likely culprit is that the cream cheese wasn't soft enough. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened at room temperature before adding it to the sauce. If you still end up with lumps, try using an immersion blender or whisking vigorously to smooth it out.

A bit of extra milk can help too.

What's the best way to store leftovers of this creamy pesto chicken pasta bake, and how long will it last?

Leftovers are a perk! Store your Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Creamy in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the whole thing in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

A splash of milk can help rehydrate it if it seems dry.

Can I freeze this Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Creamy? Thinking ahead for those busy weeks!

Freezing is an option, but the texture may change slightly. Assemble the bake, but don't add the cheese topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Add the cheese topping and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed, until heated through and bubbly.

I don't have pesto. What can I substitute in this creamy pesto chicken pasta bake?

No pesto, no problem! You can substitute with sun-dried tomato pesto for a different, but equally delicious, flavour profile. Alternatively, you could make a quick sauce using fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and pine nuts (or walnuts).

Blitz it in a food processor and you've got a homemade pesto substitute! Though, the 'real' pesto is what makes the Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Creamy shine!

Any tips for making this recipe healthier? I'm trying to be a bit more 'well behaved' these days!

Absolutely! You can use whole wheat pasta for added fibre. Swap whole milk for skimmed or semi skimmed milk and opt for reduced fat cream cheese to lower the fat content. You could also add some extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost the nutritional value.

Perhaps, use less cheese on top of the Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake Creamy, but we all love cheese!