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To make this tasty dish, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s your shopping list: - 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli work well) - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish Some ingredients are pantry staples. Make sure you have these on hand: - Garlic powder - Salt - Pepper - Red pepper flakes (if you like some heat) Using good ingredients makes a big difference. Here are some brands I trust: - For basil pesto, I love Barilla or Classico. - For cheeses, look for brands like Sargento or Kraft. - Choose any pasta brand you like, but Barilla pasta is always a safe choice. These ingredients will help you make a delicious Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake. For a complete guide, check out the Full Recipe for step-by-step instructions. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the dish cook evenly. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and basil pesto. The pesto gives a bright flavor. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is coated. This step ensures that every bite is tasty. Next, transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. This helps with cooking. Once the mixture is in the dish, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake it in the oven for 20 minutes. This keeps the moisture in and helps the flavors blend. After 20 minutes, carefully take off the foil. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. This step is key for a nice texture. To get that perfect cheese top, watch the time. When you uncover the dish, keep an eye on it. If the cheese starts to brown too fast, lower the heat a bit. For a golden look, broil the cheese for 1 to 2 minutes at the end. Just be careful not to let it burn. Enjoy your Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make this dish creamy, add more cheese. Use cream cheese or ricotta for richness. Mix these into the pesto before adding to the pasta. Another great way is to stir in some heavy cream. This simple step can elevate your bake. Timing is key for this recipe. Start by cooking your pasta al dente. It should still have a bite when you mix it with the chicken and pesto. If you overcook it, the pasta will become mushy. For chicken, ensure it is fully cooked before shredding. This guarantees a safe and tasty meal. You can easily modify this recipe for diets. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. If you need a dairy-free dish, swap out the cheese for nutritional yeast. This adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You can also use grilled tofu or chickpeas in place of chicken for a plant-based version. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Simply swap the chicken for hearty vegetables. Try using roasted mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. These options add great flavor and texture. You can also use chickpeas for added protein. This way, you still get a filling meal without meat. While penne and fusilli are great choices, feel free to get creative! You can use rotini, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni. Each shape holds the sauce differently. So, pick one that you love. This small change can make your dish feel new and exciting. Want to mix things up? Add other veggies or proteins to your bake. Bell peppers, broccoli, or asparagus work well. They add color and nutrition. You can also try shrimp or sausage for a different taste. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed. Experimenting with flavors makes cooking fun and keeps meals interesting. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. After your dinner, let the Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake cool. Use an airtight container to store any leftovers. This helps keep the dish fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label your container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made it. If you have more leftovers, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion the pasta bake into freezer-safe containers or bags. Seal them tightly to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. If using the microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, it heats evenly without drying out. Enjoy your meal again just like the first time! Yes, you can use homemade pesto. Fresh pesto adds a great flavor. If you want to make it, blend basil, garlic, nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil. This mix will make your dish shine. For a Pasta Bake, I recommend penne or fusilli. These shapes hold sauce well. They also provide a nice texture. You can use other shapes, but these work best for this dish. To add spice, mix in red pepper flakes. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Start with a little, then taste and adjust. Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake can be healthy. It has protein from chicken and nutrients from tomatoes. You can make it healthier by using whole wheat pasta or adding more veggies. You can serve this dish with a fresh salad. Garlic bread pairs well too. For a light side, consider steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. They balance the meal nicely. For the full recipe, check out the full recipe section. This article walked you through the tasty Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake. You learned about the key ingredients and tips for preparing and baking it. I shared ideas for making variations and storing leftovers too. In the end, this dish is easy to love. Try it out in your kitchen. You’ll enjoy a meal that's satisfying and fun to make!

Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Get ready to enjoy a delicious Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake that will become a family favorite! This easy recipe combines cooked pasta, tender shredded chicken, and a rich basil pesto sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this dish is not only tasty but also simple to make. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this hearty bake tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli work well)

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the pesto.

      Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

        Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

          Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

            Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

              Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6