Chicken Primavera Pasta Bake
+7 photos

Chicken Primavera Pasta Bake

10 servings
This chicken primavera pasta bake is full of fresh spring peas. asparagus, and spinach. With cavatappi pasta in a creamy cheese sauce, the casserole is topped with seasoned panko and Parmesan and bakes until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

  • dried cavatappi pasta
    12 oz
  • fresh or frozen peas
    2 c
  • asparagus

    trimmed and coarsely chopped, 2 cups

    1 lb
  • olive oil

    divided

    2 tbsp
  • skinless

    boneless chicken breast, cut in 1-inch pieces

    1 ½ lb
  • salt

    divided

    1 tsp
  • ground black pepper

    divided

    ¾ tsp
  • butter
    ¼ c
  • all-purpose flour
    ¼ c
  • milk
    2 c
  • package) cream cheese

    softened

    1
  • reduced-sodium chicken broth
    ¾ c
  • coarsely chopped spinach
    2 c
  • cherry tomatoes

    halved

    1 c
  • grated parmesan cheese

    divided

    1 c
  • chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil

    crushed

    1 tbsp
  • chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano

    crushed

    1 tbsp
  • seasoned panko breadcrumbs
    ⅝ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 3-quart rectangular baking dish.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Bring a 4 to 6-quart Dutch oven filled with salted water to a boil, and cook pasta until tender with a bite, 9 to 11 minutes, adding peas and asparagus for the last 3 minutes of cooking time. Drain, reserving 2/3 cup of the pasta water. Hold pasta in the strainer; set Dutch oven aside to use for making the sauce.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Meanwhile, heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add chicken to hot oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden and fully cooked, 5 to 7 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove from heat.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    For sauce, melt butter in the Dutch oven. Whisk in flour, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Whisk in milk, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 1 minute more. Whisk in reserved pasta water, 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, basil, and oregano.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Add pasta mixture to the Dutch oven with sauce; toss to coat. Stir in cooked chicken, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese and panko bread crumbs.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    Bake in the preheated oven until sauce is bubbly and topping is golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

    Step 7
Chicken Primavera Pasta Bake
+7

Chicken Primavera Pasta Bake

70 min10 servings466 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting dinner that still tastes bright and fresh? This Chicken Primavera Pasta Bake brings together tender chicken, vibrant spring vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a golden, crispy crust that will make your weeknight meal feel special.

Why This Recipe Works

What truly sets this pasta bake apart is the harmonious blend of textures and flavors. You'll love how the cavatappi pasta cradles the creamy cheese sauce, while the fresh peas, asparagus, and spinach add a burst of garden-fresh goodness. The final touch of seasoned panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese bakes to a bubbly, golden perfection, providing an irresistible crunch in every bite.

What to Expect

Prepare for a hearty yet elegant casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as delicious leftovers. Each forkful delivers tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, complemented by the crisp-tender bite of asparagus and the sweet pop of peas. The dish is beautifully balanced, with savory notes from the chicken and Parmesan, and a herbaceous aroma from fresh basil and oregano. It’s a wonderfully comforting experience without feeling heavy, making it a fantastic centerpiece for any dinner table.

Customization & Variations

This Chicken Primavera Pasta Bake is wonderfully adaptable. While the recipe calls for fresh or frozen peas, you can also adjust the quantities of spring vegetables like asparagus and spinach to your preference. Don't have fresh herbs on hand? You can easily use dried basil and oregano as specified in the ingredients list, making this dish flexible for your pantry. You can also vary the amount of Parmesan cheese in the sauce and on top for extra cheesy goodness.

Serving & Context

This satisfying pasta bake is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. Serve it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to round out the experience and add a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions