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