Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
  • ½ tsp (3g) salt
  • ½ tsp (3g) black pepper
  • ¾ cup (180ml) prepared basil pesto
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves (6g) garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups (60g) fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear chicken until golden-brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and pesto until smooth.
  5. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and minced garlic until the mixture is a consistent, pale green hue.
  6. Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Add the undercooked pasta, seared chicken, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes to the sauce bowl. Fold gently until every piece is coated.
  9. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  10. Top with a thick layer of shredded mozzarella.
  11. Bake for 20 minutes, then switch to the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and mahogany-colored.