Description
Indulge in a delicious Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake recipe that combines tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and al dente pasta for a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Discover how to make it here!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 tsp (3 ml) salt, to taste
- 1/4 tsp (1 ml) ground black pepper, or to taste
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil, divided
- 12 oz (340g) dry penne pasta
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato-based sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) cream cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) plain yogurt
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.
- Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan, then cook the chicken for approximately 15 minutes until fully done. Put it aside once cooked.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta following the instructions on its packaging. Afterward, mix it with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and set it aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the tomato-based sauce, cream cheese, and plain yogurt until you achieve a smooth consistency. Incorporate the cooked chicken and pasta into this mixture and stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Move the combined mixture into a large oven-safe dish and sprinkle nutritional yeast on top.
- Place in the oven to bake for roughly 30 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist on this dish.
- Try different tomato-based sauces like marinara or arrabbiata for variety.
- Enhance the flavor with chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
