Description

A quick and comforting weeknight dinner featuring tender pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, and a rich sauce made with basil pesto, heavy cream, and melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces (340g) dry penne or rigatoni pasta
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
6 ounces (170g) jar of high-quality basil pesto
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
4 ounces (115g) softened cream cheese
1 ½ cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salted water for boiling pasta
Optional: ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes or fresh spinach

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until slightly al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, softened cream cheese, pesto, and minced garlic until smooth.
Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Add optional vegetables if using.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispier top, watching closely to prevent burning.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Do not overcook pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 800
Fat: 35
Saturated Fat: 18
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 30

Keywords: chicken pesto pasta, creamy pasta bake, weeknight dinner, easy dinner, rotisserie chicken recipes, comfort food, family meals