There are some recipes that just become instant classics in your household, and for us, Chicken Pesto Penne Bake is definitely one of them. From the first time I made it, the aroma filling the kitchen was intoxicating – a blend of fragrant pesto, savory chicken, and bubbling cheese. Dinner that night was met with resounding approval, even from my usually picky eaters! The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and that rich, vibrant pesto sauce, all baked to golden perfection, is simply irresistible. It’s become a regular request, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility and ease. It’s incredibly simple to throw together, yet it feels special enough to serve to guests. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day. If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish, look no further. This Chicken Pesto Penne Bake is guaranteed to become a new family favorite in your home too!

Ingredients for Chicken Pesto Penne Bake

• Penne Pasta: 1 pound – The ridged shape of penne is perfect for holding onto the flavorful pesto sauce.
• Chicken Breast: 1.5 pounds, boneless, skinless – Provides lean protein and a satisfying savory element to the bake.
• Pesto: 1 cup, store-bought or homemade – The star ingredient, bringing a vibrant basil and garlic flavor.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup – Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, binding all the elements together.
• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint, halved – Offer bursts of sweetness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the pesto and cream.
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces, sliced or cubed – Melts beautifully and provides a creamy, mild cheese flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated – Adds a salty, nutty, and savory depth to the topping.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – Used for sautéing the chicken and preventing sticking.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the savory flavor of the chicken and complements the pesto.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste – Seasoning to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, or to taste – Adds a touch of spice and balances the richness.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: For garnish (optional) – Adds a fresh, aromatic touch and visual appeal.

Instructions for Chicken Pesto Penne Bake

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. “Al dente” means cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooking the pasta will result in a mushy bake, so be sure to check it frequently as it cooks and drain it promptly when it reaches the right texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set aside. Running cold water over the pasta after draining is optional; some prefer to do this to stop the cooking process completely, especially if the pasta will sit for a bit before being added to the bake.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and incorporates well into the pasta bake. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Make sure to cook the chicken in a single layer if possible; overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of browning. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
3. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the pesto and heavy cream to the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine the pesto and cream with the chicken and any flavorful browned bits left in the pan. Simmer the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. Simmering helps to create a richer and more cohesive sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Keep in mind that pesto can be salty, so taste before adding additional salt.
4. Assemble the Bake: In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, the pesto chicken mixture from the skillet, and the halved cherry tomatoes. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and that the tomatoes are distributed throughout. The warmth of the pasta and sauce will slightly soften the cherry tomatoes, releasing their juices and adding to the overall flavor.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish and Top with Cheese: Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish. Arrange slices or cubes of fresh mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the mozzarella. The mozzarella will melt into creamy pools, while the Parmesan will create a golden, slightly crispy crust.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. You want the bake to be heated through and the cheese to be beautifully melted and browned. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent the cheese from burning.
7. Rest and Garnish (Optional): Once baked, remove the Chicken Pesto Penne Bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the bake to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, for a pop of fresh flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts for Chicken Pesto Penne Bake (Per Serving)

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. Serving sizes are also estimations.)

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 ½ cups
• Servings Per Recipe: 8
• Calories: 550-650 kcal
• Protein: 35-40 grams
• Fat: 30-35 grams

Preparation Time for Chicken Pesto Penne Bake

This Chicken Pesto Penne Bake is wonderfully efficient for busy weeknights. The prep time is approximately 20 minutes, involving chopping the chicken, halving tomatoes, and grating cheese. The cook time in the oven is around 20-25 minutes. This brings the total time from start to finish to roughly 40-45 minutes, making it a relatively quick and satisfying meal to get on the table. The active cooking time is even less, as much of the time is hands-off while the pasta cooks and the bake is in the oven. This recipe is perfect for when you need a delicious and comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve Chicken Pesto Penne Bake

Chicken Pesto Penne Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a more elaborate and balanced dinner. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Salad:
  • A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake.
  • Consider a Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for flavors that complement the pesto.
  • A Caesar salad is another classic choice that pairs well with Italian-inspired dishes.
• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks:
  • Warm garlic bread or breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any extra pesto sauce from the bake.
  • Crusty Italian bread is also a great option for serving alongside.
• Roasted Vegetables:
  • Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
  • Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and provides a nice textural contrast.
• Steamed Vegetables:
  • Steamed green beans or spinach are quick and easy vegetable sides that complement the bake.
• Wine Pairing:
  • A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the pesto and chicken.
  • A light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or Chianti Classico can also be a good choice.
• Dessert:
  • Keep it simple with fresh fruit like berries or melon after the rich bake.
  • For a more indulgent dessert, consider Tiramisu or Cannoli to continue the Italian theme.

Additional Tips for Perfect Chicken Pesto Penne Bake

To ensure your Chicken Pesto Penne Bake is a resounding success every time, here are some helpful tips and variations:

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is crucial for this bake. Overcooked pasta will become mushy during baking and detract from the overall texture. Err on the side of slightly undercooked pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven with the sauce.
2. Use Quality Pesto: The pesto is the star of this dish, so using a good quality pesto makes a big difference. Homemade pesto is always fantastic if you have the time, but store-bought pesto can be equally delicious. Look for brands that use fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Taste your pesto before adding it to the recipe to ensure you like the flavor and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Customize Your Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes are a classic addition, but feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Sun-dried tomatoes add a chewy texture and intense flavor. Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or spinach can also be incorporated for added nutrients and flavor complexity. You can sauté spinach or roast peppers beforehand and then add them to the pasta mixture.
4. Add Protein Variety: While chicken is the main protein in this recipe, you can easily substitute or add other proteins. Cooked Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) adds a different flavor profile. Shrimp or cooked and flaked salmon are also delicious seafood options. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and add more vegetables or white beans for protein.
5. Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto cream sauce or sprinkle them over the top of the bake before baking. You can also use a spicy pesto or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
6. Make it Ahead: Chicken Pesto Penne Bake is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire bake (up to the point of baking) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. This is perfect for meal prepping or for entertaining guests.
7. Freeze for Later: Leftovers of Chicken Pesto Penne Bake freeze well. Allow the bake to cool completely, then cut it into individual portions or freeze the entire bake in a freezer-safe dish. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave until heated through. Freezing is a great way to have a quick and easy meal on hand for busy days.
8. Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Fresh basil is a classic garnish, but other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also be used. Chopped fresh herbs add a burst of freshness and visual appeal to the finished dish. Add the herbs right before serving to maximize their flavor and aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Chicken Pesto Penne Bake

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta besides penne?

A: Absolutely! While penne is a classic choice for pasta bakes due to its ridges which hold sauce well, you can definitely use other pasta shapes. Rotini, rigatoni, fusilli, or even bow-tie pasta (farfalle) would all work well. Choose a pasta shape that has some texture or ridges to better grab onto the pesto sauce. Avoid very thin pastas like spaghetti or angel hair, as they might become too soft in a bake.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Yes, easily! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the chicken. You can replace the chicken with additional vegetables like roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes are also great vegetarian additions that complement pesto. Consider adding white beans or chickpeas for a protein boost to make it a more substantial vegetarian meal.

Q3: Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?

A: You can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk to reduce the fat content, but keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Heavy cream provides a luxurious texture and helps to bind the sauce together beautifully. If using milk or half-and-half, you might need to simmer the sauce for a bit longer to help it thicken slightly. Low-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel) could also be blended into the sauce for added creaminess with slightly less fat than heavy cream.

Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A: Making this recipe dairy-free requires some substitutions, but it is possible. Use a dairy-free pesto (many vegan pestos are available, or you can make your own with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan). Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk (the canned kind, not the drinking kind) or a cashew cream. Use a dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternative for topping. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?

A: Leftover Chicken Pesto Penne Bake can be reheated in the oven or microwave. For oven reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to the baking dish to prevent it from drying out. For microwave reheating, microwave individual portions in 1-2 minute intervals until heated through.

Q6: Can I use frozen chicken?

A: It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe to ensure it cooks evenly and browns properly. If you must use frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting (following manufacturer’s instructions carefully). Cooking frozen chicken directly can lead to uneven cooking and a less desirable texture.

Q7: What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?

A: If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, you can use other types of tomatoes. Grape tomatoes, diced Roma tomatoes, or even canned diced tomatoes (drained well) can be substituted. If using larger tomatoes, dice them into bite-sized pieces. The sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes are important for balancing the richness of the pesto, so ensure you are using a type of tomato that provides those qualities.

Q8: How can I prevent the pasta bake from drying out?

A: To prevent the pasta bake from drying out, ensure there is enough sauce to coat the pasta generously. Don’t overbake it – bake just until the cheese is melted and golden brown. If you are making it ahead and reheating, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to add moisture back in. Covering the baking dish with foil during the first part of baking can also help retain moisture, removing it for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to brown.

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