Name: Caprese Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 Servings
Cuisine: Other

OnlineCook Verified

April 29, 2025

11 Ingredients

EASY

If yours is a pasta-loving family, this recipe is one you'll be enjoying all year long. The tomatoes are pan-roasted and slightly sweetened to pair perfectly with herby pesto, chicken, and fresh mozzarella. And if you made Easy Shredded Chicken Breast Hack, the recipe will come together in a snap. Just add a simple salad, and dinner is done! Note that if you'd like the pasta bake to be extra-cheesy, just go up to 1 pound of mozzarella balls. The recipe is a Yummly original created by Ashley Strickland Freeman.

From the Cook

1/2

Caprese Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake

OnlineCook Verified

Ingredients

Servings

WarningMilk and 6 other allergens identified

Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°. Coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.

Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente; drain.

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a medium saute pan or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the halved tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar. SautÃ© until tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices, about 3 minutes.

Gently toss together pasta, tomatoes, chicken, pesto, and mozzarella and spoon into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake until cheese melts and pasta is warmed through, 20-25 minutes. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top if you like.

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Tomato Roasting Magic 🍅
Pan-roast cherry tomatoes with a pinch of sugar over medium-high heat to caramelize their natural sweetness and concentrate their flavor before adding to the pasta bake.
Pesto Preservation Technique 🌿
To prevent pesto from burning, mix it into the pasta and chicken after baking, or fold it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to maintain its fresh, vibrant taste.
Mozzarella Melting Perfection 🧀
For the most luxurious cheese pull, use small fresh mozzarella balls and place them on top of the dish during the final 3-4 minutes of baking, allowing them to melt beautifully without overcooking.
Pasta Texture Hack 🍝
Cook the penne pasta 2 minutes less than package instructions to ensure it doesn't become mushy during the final baking process, maintaining a perfect al dente texture.
Chicken Moisture Seal 🍗
Before adding chicken to the pasta bake, lightly coat the cooked chicken pieces in a thin layer of olive oil to help retain moisture and prevent drying out during baking.