Chicken and Spinach Pesto Mac Bake Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

This Chicken and Spinach Pesto Mac Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and creamy pesto with pasta. It’s a perfect chicken recipe for a family dinner or a cozy gathering.

The recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in one pot, making cleanup easy. You can customize it with your favorite cheeses or add more vegetables to suit your taste.

Easy Chicken and Spinach Pesto Mac Bake

This mac bake features al dente pasta mixed with cooked chicken, sautéed spinach, and a rich pesto sauce, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. The recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 6 people.

Ingredients

8 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup pesto sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Spinach: In the same pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, pesto sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, and cooked pasta to the pot. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Chicken and Spinach Pesto Mac Bake warm.