Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake with Vegetables
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake with Vegetables, a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole combines tender pasta, succulent chicken, and vibrant vegetables, all enveloped in a creamy homemade pesto sauce. Capped with a golden layer of melted Parmesan cheese, this bake is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to minimize food waste by using up cooked chicken and frozen veggies. Prepare it ahead of time for an easy, flavorful dinner that the whole family will love, making it an ideal choice for meal prep enthusiasts or those who want a stress-free evening feast.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
12 ounces (uncooked)
cooked chicken
3/4 lb (chopped)
pesto sauce
4 tablespoons (homemade or bottled)
butter
4 tablespoons (unsalted)
flour
4 tablespoons (all-purpose)
chicken stock
3 cups (homemade or canned)
chicken bouillon cube
1 (crumbled)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
frozen vegetables
10 ounces (thawed (optional))
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is a Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake with Vegetables.
What type of pasta is recommended?
Penne pasta is recommended for this recipe.
How much pasta do I need?
You will need 12 ounces of uncooked penne pasta.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for using up 3/4 lb of chopped cooked chicken.
What type of pesto is best?
You can use either 4 tablespoons of homemade or bottled pesto sauce.
What kind of butter should I use for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What is used to thicken the creamy sauce?
The sauce is thickened using 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
How much chicken stock is required?
You will need 3 cups of homemade or canned chicken stock.
Does the recipe include a flavor booster for the stock?
Yes, one crumbled chicken bouillon cube is added for extra flavor.
How much lemon juice is added?
One teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is used to brighten the flavor.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a golden top layer.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta bake?
Yes, you can add 10 ounces of thawed frozen vegetables.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for meal prep enthusiasts as it can be prepared ahead of time.
Is this a good weeknight dinner option?
Absolutely, it is designed for busy weeknights and provides a stress-free evening feast.
How does this recipe help minimize food waste?
It helps minimize food waste by utilizing leftover cooked chicken and frozen vegetables.
What is the general description of the sauce?
The sauce is a rich, creamy homemade pesto sauce made from a roux of butter, flour, and stock.
Should the frozen vegetables be cooked before adding?
The frozen vegetables should be thawed before being added to the bake.
Is the chicken stock canned or homemade?
Either homemade or canned chicken stock works well in this recipe.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
Salt and pepper should be added according to your personal taste.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The dish is rich and hearty with a golden layer of melted cheese on top.
Is the Parmesan cheese grated or shredded?
The recipe specifies using grated Parmesan cheese.
What kind of flour is used for the sauce?
All-purpose flour is used to create the base for the creamy sauce.
Is the lemon juice bottled or fresh?
The recipe recommends freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Can this be considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is classified as a one-dish meal or casserole.
Is the bouillon cube added whole?
No, the bouillon cube should be crumbled before being added.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It falls into categories such as chicken, pasta bake, pesto, and comfort food.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While penne is suggested, other short pasta shapes would likely work well in this casserole.
Is the butter salted?
No, the recipe specifically calls for unsalted butter.
Is the chicken added raw?
No, the chicken must be pre-cooked and chopped before being added to the bake.