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Creamy Chicken Pesto Mac & Cheese Bake

Creamy Chicken Pesto Mac & Cheese Bake
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The Creamy Chicken Pesto Mac & Cheese Bake is a comforting and indulgent casserole that combines tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and a rich blend of cheeses with perfectly cooked macaroni pasta. This one-dish meal delivers creamy textures, a cheesy, herbaceous flavor explosion, and protein-packed satisfaction, making it ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend feast.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 to 1.5 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or diced

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni pasta

Cheese and Dairy

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Flavorings and Seasonings

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil pesto
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF option)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta and Chicken: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente, then drain. While the pasta cooks, dice or shred cooked chicken breast or thighs, which can be grilled, roasted, or sautéed according to preference.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly add heavy cream or milk while whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken. Stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the cheeses melt fully and the sauce becomes silky.
  3. Add Pesto and Combine: Mix the fresh basil pesto into the cheese sauce until it turns a vibrant green and aromatic. Gently fold in the drained pasta and cooked chicken, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly on top for a golden, crisp finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned on top.

Notes

  • Use high-quality, fresh or homemade pesto for the best flavor impact.
  • Undercook pasta slightly to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • Combining sharp cheddar and mozzarella balances sharpness and meltability.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to thicken and set.
  • Add toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top for added crunch and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy, chicken, pesto, mac and cheese, casserole, baked pasta, comfort food, cheesy, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/creamy-chicken-pesto-mac-cheese-bake/