Name: Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 pound penne pasta; ¾ cup prepared pesto; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 (6 oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped; 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese, divided; ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that combines fresh flavors with cheesy, baked goodness, this Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together perfectly grilled chicken, vibrant pesto sauce, creamy textures, and sun-dried tomatoes for a beautiful layered dish that is bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a small gathering, this recipe is such a winner that it quickly becomes a go-to for satisfying dinners that everyone will love.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a white rectangular dish with rounded edges placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the dish, there is one central layer of green pesto sauce, which has a slightly chunky and thick texture. The pesto forms a small, roughly circular pile in the middle of the dish. The dish has a handle on each end, and the top view clearly shows the smooth inner surface contrasting with the bright green sauce layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple with ingredients that pack a powerful punch of flavor and texture. Each element has a role, from tender grilled chicken to the creamy pesto sauce, all creating a perfect balance in the pasta bake.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, grilled to juicy perfection for rich flavor and texture.
Kosher salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that amplify the natural taste of the chicken and pasta.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth without overwhelming other flavors.
1 pound penne pasta: Tubular pasta that holds sauce beautifully and adds a nice chewiness.
¾ cup prepared pesto: The vibrant green sauce bringing fresh basil, garlic, and pine nut goodness to every bite.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, silky coating that keeps the dish moist and indulgent.
1 6 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): Sun-kissed, slightly tangy bursts of flavor that elevate the dish’s complexity.
2 cups shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese: Melts into creamy, bubbly layers providing irresistible cheesiness.
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that ties everything together magnificently.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Grill Your Chicken

Start by preheating your grill to its highest heat setting to get a nice sear. Season those chicken breasts generously with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill each side for about 5 to 6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, ensuring that juicy, smoky flavor. Let the chicken rest for 20 minutes — this rest time is crucial for locking in all those delicious juices. Afterward, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces to mix into your pasta later. If you’re short on time, rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken works well, too!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and grease up a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray so nothing sticks during baking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente — it should still have a slight bite to it. Drain the pasta carefully, as you want it perfectly cooked to absorb all the creamy pesto sauce that’s coming next.

Step 3: Mix the Pesto Cream Sauce

In your prepared baking dish, combine the prepared pesto with heavy cream. Whisk these together until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious sauce that will coat every piece of pasta with herbaceous richness. This is the secret to the dish's wonderful flavor and silky texture, so take a moment to get it just right.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Add the hot, drained pasta straight into the pesto cream mixture and toss well to coat every piece. Next, fold in your chopped grilled chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, which bring bursts of flavor and a comforting heartiness to the bake. Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella along with the finely grated Parmesan cheese to incorporate decadent layers of cheesy goodness throughout the dish.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Top the pasta with the remaining mozzarella cheese for that irresistible golden crust after baking. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is beautifully caramelized. Let the pasta bake cool just a little before serving, and sprinkle extra Parmesan over top if you want to add that final flourish of flavor.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake Recipe

A white plate with ridged edges holds a creamy pasta dish made of three main layers: the bottom has pale yellow penne pasta pieces, the middle layer shows chunks of light brown cooked chicken mixed with sun-dried tomatoes that add small pops of red, and the top layer is covered with melted light yellow cheese and green pesto sauce, sprinkled with grated cheese. A gold fork is placed on the right side inside the plate, partly under the food. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a folded white cloth on the top right corner photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese can elevate the presentation and flavor perfectly. Adding a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the rich, creamy bake for those who enjoy a little zing.

Side Dishes

This pasta bake is quite the satisfying main dish on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables can add freshness and balance the richness. Garlic bread is always a welcome companion, especially for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more rustic look, serve the pasta bake straight from the dish family-style to encourage communal sharing and cozy vibes. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins or small baking dishes for a more elegant, personalized presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Just ensure it is cooled completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. After baking, allow the pasta bake to cool down completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat gently in the oven to preserve its creamy, cheesy texture without drying out.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through and bubbly again, usually about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, reheating in the microwave is fine but be sure to cover loosely to keep moisture locked in and stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! Grilled shrimp or even Italian sausage can be great alternatives if you want to mix things up. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and make sure whichever protein you choose complements the pesto flavors.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts to keep the dish hearty and flavorful while still keeping that satisfying baked pasta experience.

Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?

Definitely. Homemade pesto adds a wonderful freshness and you can tweak ingredients to your liking. Whether you use classic basil pesto or try different herbs like arugula or kale, it will enhance the dish beautifully.

What cheese works best for this pasta bake?

Mozzarella or an Italian blend provides ideal meltiness and mild flavor, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty bite. You can experiment with provolone or fontina for a slightly different texture, but mozzarella and Parmesan remain the classic duo.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap out the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package since cook times may vary, but otherwise, the recipe works perfectly with gluten-free noodles.

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t recommend the Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake Recipe enough. It’s that perfect mix of ease, flavor, and comfort that makes home-cooked dinners something to look forward to. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a favorite in your recipe rotation—trust me, it’s going to wow your taste buds and guests alike!

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