Description
A comforting and creamy pasta bake infused with zesty pesto, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz. pasta of choice
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup minced shallots
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup jarred roasted tomatoes or ½ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 to 3 handfuls fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
- 3 to 4 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, torn
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta until just shy of al dente, reserving 1 cup of cooking water before draining.
- Season the Chicken: Toss cubed chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, ¾ tsp salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add chicken, and cook until done, about 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add shallots and oil if needed. Sauté for 3 minutes, then add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute.
- Combine Everything: Stir in roasted tomatoes (or sun-dried) and spinach, allowing spinach to wilt, about 2-3 minutes. Season with remaining salt.
- Create the Sauce: Add pesto and heavy cream, mixing well. Incorporate cooked pasta and reserved cooking water until sauce thickens.
- Fold in cheese and chicken. Preheat oven broiler to HIGH, top with mozzarella and remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano.
- Broil to Perfection: Broil for 3-4 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish: Top with freshly chopped basil before serving.
Notes
Assemble the dish a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. For lighter options, use whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg