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Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake

This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake combines Italian and Cajun flavors for a delicious weeknight meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Cajun, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 700 kcal

Equipment

  • oven-safe skillet

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken

  • 10 oz rigatoni ¾ of a 1lb box
  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins diced
  • 1.5 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • cup prepared pesto
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup parmesan shredded or grated
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning see recipe notes for my recipe
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 3 cups whole milk half and half or cream can be substituted for a richer pasta
  • 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
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Drizzle chicken with one tablespoon olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle over the Italian seasonings and 1 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper as you toss the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated on all sides.
  • Bring water to a boil in a large pot for the pasta while cooking the chicken and sauce.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Pour in the milk and sprinkle in Cajun seasonings and red pepper flakes (if using) and salt and pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon each). Add in sun-dried tomatoes and broccoli and bring to a low simmering boil until the broccoli softens, about 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni to al dente.
  • 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.
  • 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 includes paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, dried parsley, dried thyme, dried oregano, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and cracked pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 700kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 45gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Cajun Pasta, chicken pasta, Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake, dinner recipe, One-Skillet Meal, Pasta Bake
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