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creamy pesto chicken pasta bake in skillet

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake: The Ultimate One-Pan Comfort

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Description

Elevate weeknight dinners with this one-skillet pesto chicken pasta bake! An irresistible blend of Italian and Cajun flavors, it features pesto, Parmesan, Cajun spices, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken in a decadent, creamy sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 oz rigatoni (¾ of a 1lb box)
  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins, diced
  • 1.5 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/3 cup prepared pesto
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup Parmesan, shredded or grated
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cups whole milk (half and half or cream can be substituted)
  • 8 oz sun-dried tomatoes, oil drained
  • 1.5 cups broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

1. Drizzle chicken with one tablespoon olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle over the Italian seasonings and 1 tsp salt and freshly ground pepper as you toss the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated on all sides.

2. Bring water to a boil in a large pot for the pasta while cooking the chicken and sauce.

3. In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil or enough to coat the bottom of the pan. Cook chicken about 4-5 minutes, flip once, reduce heat to low, and continue to cook about 3-4 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside.

4. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons butter to melt. Add in the onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add in garlic and sauté until fragrant.

5. Pour in the milk and sprinkle in Cajun seasonings and red pepper flakes (if using) and salt and pepper to taste (about ½ tsp each). Add in sun-dried tomatoes and broccoli and bring to a low simmering boil until the broccoli softens, about 5 minutes.

6. Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni to al dente.

7. Into the sauce, add in the spinach leaves, stirring into the sauce until they wilt. Fold the cooked rigatoni, chicken, and pesto into the sauce until it’s evenly incorporated.

8. Turn the oven to broil. Top the pasta with mozzarella and parmesan. Broil for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese melts and starts to brown.


Notes

Homemade Cajun Seasoning:

1 tablespoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon dried parsley

¾ teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon brown sugar

¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper (add more if you like heat)

¼ teaspoon cracked pepper, to taste


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg