Pesto Chicken and Mild Cheese Pasta Bake recipe

Name: Pesto Chicken and Mild Cheese Pasta Bake
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 300g Chicken; 4 tbsp Pesto; 120g Mild cheese; 10g Butter; 2 tbsp Water

Creamy, herby chicken pasta bake with a savoury pesto coating and a generous cheesy topping. It is hearty, familiar and perfect for a simple family supper.

40 min · Easy · Italian Jump to method

Pesto Chicken and Mild Cheese Pasta Bake

Ingredients

4 servings

300g Chicken
4 tbsp Pesto
120g Mild cheese
10g Butter
2 tbsp Water

Nutrition	Per serving
Calories	333 kcal
Protein	29 g
Carbohydrates	2 g
Fat	23 g
Saturated fat	8 g
Fibre	0.3 g
Sugar	0.8 g
Sodium	360 mg

Why this works

A protein-rich, energy-dense pasta bake with relatively low carbohydrate content, but higher saturated fat and sodium from the pesto and cheese.

High-quality protein. Chicken provides substantial protein to support muscle maintenance and satiety.

Calcium source. Mild cheese contributes calcium and phosphorus for bone health, though it also raises saturated fat.

Sodium and saturated fat caution. Pesto and cheese can make this dish fairly salty and higher in saturated fat, so portions matter.

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C (Fan 180°C, 392°F, Gas Mark 6) and grease a medium baking dish with a little butter.
Cook your chosen pasta in salted water until just tender, then drain, reserving a small splash of cooking water if needed.
Cook the chicken in a pan until golden and cooked through, then stir in the pesto and a little water to loosen it.
Combine the pasta and chicken mixture in the baking dish, then scatter over the mild cheese.
Bake for 15-18 minutes until bubbling and lightly browned on top.
Serve immediately.

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