Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Pasta and tender chicken in a creamy, cheesy, basil pesto infused sauce are topped with mozzarella cheese in this hearty meal the whole family will love.
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Calories: 699kcal
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dry pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2-3 cups cooked shredded chicken
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until just al dente; drain.
- While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Stir in flour.
- Whisk in chicken broth until smooth, then stir in half and half.
- Add salt and pepper and simmer until sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in pesto.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella until cheeses are melted and smooth.
- Stir the chopped basil, chicken, and cooked pasta into the sauce and mix well. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Preheat broiler. Pour the pasta mixture into a lightly greased, 9x13 inch baking dish or large casserole. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 699kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 766mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g