Cheesy Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Bake

Popular
Health score
13%
Cheesy Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Bake
45 min.
8
512kcal

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Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner with a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Cheesy Pesto Chicken Spaghetti Bake! Perfect for families and gatherings, this recipe combines tender shredded chicken, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant pesto, all enveloped in perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that serves eight, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of fresh ingredients and gooey cheese creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but also visually appealing. Plus, with a caloric count of 512 kcal per serving, you can indulge without the guilt!

This bake is incredibly versatile, serving as a main course, side dish, or even a lunch option for those looking to meal prep. The aromatic pesto adds a unique twist that sets this dish apart from traditional pasta bakes, while the mozzarella balls provide delightful bursts of cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite!

Ingredients

  • 0.3 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
  • cups chicken breast shredded cooked
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt 
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt 
  • cup milk (I used skim)
  • cups mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
  • cup pesto prepared
  • cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • pound pasta like spaghetti dry

Equipment

  • oven
  • pot
  • baking pan

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
  2. Drain and run under cold water.
  3. Place noodles back into pot.
  4. Add pesto, milk, chicken, salt, garlic salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
  5. Transfer half of the spaghetti to baking dish then add mozzarella balls.
  6. Add remaining spaghetti then top with shredded mozzarella.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts

Calories512kcal
Protein20.64%
Fat42.69%
Carbs36.67%

Properties

Glycemic Index
17.38
Glycemic Load
17.65
Inflammation Score
-6
Nutrition Score
12.658260905224%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:511.73kcal
25.59%
Fat:24.1g
37.08%
Saturated Fat:6.96g
43.49%
Carbohydrates:46.59g
15.53%
Net Carbohydrates:44.26g
16.1%
Sugar:4.12g
4.58%
Cholesterol:52.45mg
17.48%
Sodium:727.32mg
31.62%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:26.22g
52.44%
Selenium:47.41µg
67.72%
Manganese:0.54mg
27%
Calcium:263.96mg
26.4%
Phosphorus:254.82mg
25.48%
Vitamin B3:3.77mg
18.85%
Vitamin A:783.7IU
15.67%
Zinc:1.87mg
12.45%
Vitamin B6:0.25mg
12.4%
Magnesium:43.97mg
10.99%
Vitamin B2:0.17mg
9.84%
Vitamin B12:0.59µg
9.76%
Copper:0.19mg
9.34%
Fiber:2.33g
9.3%
Iron:1.41mg
7.84%
Potassium:263.87mg
7.54%
Vitamin B5:0.72mg
7.19%
Vitamin B1:0.09mg
6.27%
Folate:12.95µg
3.24%
Vitamin D:0.39µg
2.61%