Creamy Pesto Chicken and Potato Bake
Imagine tender chicken and hearty potatoes smothered in a luscious, basil-packed pesto cream sauce, all bubbly and golden from the oven.
Total: 60 minPrep: 15 minCook: 45 min6 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.8 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup prepared pesto
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2 In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- 3 Stir in pesto and heavy cream, heating through until well combined.
- 4 In a greased baking dish, layer diced potatoes, cooked chicken, and the pesto cream sauce.
- 5 Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- 6 Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- 7 Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender and top is golden.
- 8 Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a crispy finish.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Oven
Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth.
- Include diced bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness.
Substitutions
- Substitute chicken with cubed tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Use almond milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Pairings
- Pairs well with a chilled white wine.
- A simple vinaigrette salad complements this dish beautifully.
Nutrition
Calories:
450 kcal
Fat:
28g fat
Carbs:
22g carbohydrates
Protein:
28g protein
Fiber:
3g fiber
Sugar:
5g sugar
Sodium:
600mg sodium
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Customize pesto flavor by adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in a 350°F oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad.
- Pair with warm crusty bread on the side.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pesto instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Fresh pesto will enhance the flavors even more.