Golden baked pasta with tender chicken, basil pesto, and melted mozzarella for a satisfying family meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 10.5 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
→ Chicken
02 - 2 medium chicken breasts (about 12 oz), diced into 1-inch pieces
→ Pesto & Sauce
03 - 1/2 cup basil pesto, store-bought or homemade
04 - 1 1/4 cups tomato passata or marinara sauce
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Cheese
07 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Seasoning
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
10 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 390°F. Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing with cooking spray or olive oil.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or rigatoni and cook until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
03 - While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken generously with salt and pepper. Add to the hot skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden, stirring occasionally.
04 - Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in tomato passata or marinara sauce and half of the pesto. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken mixture, half of the shredded mozzarella, and remaining pesto. Gently fold together until pasta is evenly coated with sauce.
06 - Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden-brown spots. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
08 - Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly for cleaner portions. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
