Creamy Baked Pesto Pasta with Chicken Meatballs
Creamy Baked Pesto Pasta with Chicken Meatballs is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken meatballs and pasta enveloped in a luscious, creamy pesto sauce. This delightful meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering rich flavors that appeal to all palates. The combination of cheesy goodness and customizable ingredients makes it a versatile addition to your dinner repertoire. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this pasta bake is sure to impress with its golden-brown topping and vibrant presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper; mix well and form small meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs for about 8 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix heavy cream with pesto sauce and stir in grated Parmesan until smooth.
- In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the creamy pesto sauce and fold in the meatballs. Top with extra cheese if desired.
- Bake uncovered for approximately 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 340g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg