From the Cook
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Caprese Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake
Instructions
1
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.
2
Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente; drain.
3
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. Sauté until tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices, about 3 minutes.
4
Gently toss together pasta, tomatoes, chicken, pesto, and mozzarella and spoon into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
5
Bake until cheese melts and pasta is warmed through, 20-25 minutes. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top if you like.
6
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Pan-Roast Tomatoes Separately 🍅Roast the cherry tomatoes in a hot pan with olive oil and a pinch of sugar for 3-4 minutes before mixing into the pasta to concentrate their sweetness and prevent a watery bake.
- Reserve Pasta Water for Sauce 💧Save 1 cup of starchy pasta cooking water to loosen the pesto and help it coat the pasta evenly, creating a silky sauce that binds all ingredients together.
- Add Mozzarella in Two Stages 🧀Toss half the mozzarella into the warm pasta mixture off-heat so it melts gently, then top with the remaining balls before baking for creamy interior and gooey surface texture.
- Use Fresh Basil in Pesto Only 🌿If making pesto from scratch, use only fresh basil leaves and reserve whole leaves as a garnish after baking to maintain vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Bake at Lower Temperature Longer ⏱️Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes rather than higher heat to gently warm the pre-cooked chicken and melt cheese without browning or drying out the pasta.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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