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Creamy Baked Pesto Pasta with Chicken Meatballs

Creamy Baked Pesto Pasta with Chicken Meatballs

Creamy Baked Pesto Pasta with Chicken Meatballs is a comforting and flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy. This recipe combines tender chicken meatballs with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a luscious pesto cream sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, it showcases a delightful mix of creamy, cheesy goodness with the fresh taste of pesto.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper; form into small meatballs.
  4. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown meatballs for about 8 minutes.
  5. Mix heavy cream with pesto sauce and stir in Parmesan until combined.
  6. In a baking dish, combine cooked pasta with creamy sauce and meatballs; top with extra cheese if desired.
  7. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  • Author: Natalia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (about 250g)
  • Calories: 560
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: For added flavor, use fresh basil or homemade pesto. Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving. Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra nutrition.