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Creamy Chicken Pesto Mac & Cheese Bake

Creamy Chicken Pesto Mac & Cheese Bake
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Creamy Chicken Pesto Mac & Cheese Bake is a comforting baked pasta dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and a rich, gooey cheese sauce. This recipe transforms classic mac and cheese into a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or diced

Pasta

  • 3 cups elbow macaroni

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
  • 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheese blend (mozzarella and cheddar)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Flavoring

  • 1/2 cup basil pesto

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta and chicken: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, cook the chicken breast or thighs in a skillet with a little oil until browned and fully cooked, then shred or dice the chicken.
  2. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add cream or milk while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Stir in shredded cheese blend, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder until melted and smooth.
  3. Combine pesto and chicken: Mix the cooked chicken with the basil pesto until every piece is evenly coated with the vibrant green sauce.
  4. Mix pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce: In a large bowl or directly in the baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, pesto chicken, and cheese sauce, stirring gently to distribute everything evenly.
  5. Bake until bubbly: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, top with a little extra shredded cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and creamier texture.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente holds up best in the bake.
  • Add pesto gradually to balance the flavor without overpowering.
  • Let the bake rest before serving so it firms up and slices cleanly.
  • Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking for a crunchy crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken mac and cheese, creamy pesto pasta bake, baked macaroni and cheese, comfort food, pesto chicken bake

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