I really enjoy pasta bakes, particularly those topped with cheese. The smooth cheese finish provides a lovely richness to the pasta meal. Using basil pesto is a very simple way to add a spectacular tangy burst of flavour to any chicken pasta meal. It’s a strong, yet beautiful flavour that can turn any simple ingredients into a very flavoursome dish.
A simple yet very tasty blending of chicken and basil pesto, mixed through with penne pasta. Topped with Bocconcini and grated parmesan before placing under the grill to melt the cheese to create a lovely tangy pasta meal.
This is such a simple meal to make with very few ingredients or steps to follow. It can be prepared and cooked in around 30 minutes so a great idea when you are time poor. Serve this dish with your favourite vegetables or salad.
Print Recipe
Chicken Pesto & Bocconcini Pasta Bake
Instructions
Cook penne pasta according to packet instructions. Drain then set aside
While penne is cooking, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat.
Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove from heat.
Pre-heat oven gril on high heat.
Add chicken and cooked penne to a large baking dish. Season with salt & pepper
Add basil pesto and toss to mix the pesto through and coat both the chicken and penne.
Top the penne & chicken with bocconcini, then sprinkle with grated parmesan.
Place under grill for a few minutes until cheese melts and is golden in colour.
Remove from grill and serve. Garnish with basil leaves if preferred.
John 
