Pesto Chicken Shell Pasta Bake

• 12 oz shell pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
• 1 cup prepared pesto
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a large bowl, combine pesto and heavy cream; mix until smooth.
4. 4 Add cooked pasta, diced chicken, mozzarella, Parmesan (reserving a handful for topping), ricotta, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pesto mixture; season with salt and pepper.
5. 5 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. 6 Sprinkle reserved Parmesan and mozzarella over the top.
7. 7 Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. 8 Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Baking sheet (optional for catching spills)
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Variations

• Substitute chicken with shrimp or turkey for a twist.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.

Substitutions

• Use pesto made from scratch if preferred.
• Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.

Pairings

• Red wine like a Pinot Noir complements the pesto flavor.
• Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing drink.

Nutrition

Tips

• For a make-ahead option, assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad.
• Pair with garlic bread for a hearty meal.

FAQ