Creamy Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bake – A Rich, One-Pan Dinner with Bold Flavor

This Creamy Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Bake brings together everything you want in a comforting meal: tender, seasoned chicken, a silky basil pesto sauce, and a blanket of gooey melted cheese. It’s rich, savory, and comes together in one pan — making it a dream dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home.

Every element works together to create deep flavor and satisfying texture. The juicy chicken soaks up the creamy pesto mixture while the cheese melts into a golden topping. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, but the finished result tastes like something special. Serve it over pasta, with a crisp salad, or alongside some roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a dinner that everyone will remember.

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, flavor-packed meal that doesn’t sacrifice quality, this chicken bake is your answer.

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What You’ll Need & Why It Works

Each ingredient here has a purpose. Here’s how they contribute to the balance of this hearty dish:

Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless breasts are lean yet substantial, offering a perfect base for the creamy topping. They cook quickly in the oven and absorb the sauce as they bake. Want a richer flavor? Chicken thighs are a good alternative and tend to stay juicy longer.

Pesto
This fragrant, herb-packed sauce brings brightness and depth. Whether you use a store-bought jar or homemade pesto, the bold basil and garlic flavor carries through the entire dish. You can also swap it out with arugula, spinach, or sun-dried tomato pesto for a different twist.

Heavy Cream
Adding cream to the pesto gives it a luxurious texture. It helps bind the sauce and balances the intensity of the garlic and herbs. If you’d like to make it lighter, use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit thinner.

Cream Cheese
This helps thicken the sauce and adds a mild tang that keeps things from tasting overly rich. Softened cream cheese melts smoothly into the mixture and creates a creamy, cohesive texture.

Mozzarella Cheese
For that satisfying, melty topping, mozzarella is essential. It melts beautifully and browns nicely in the oven. Whole milk mozzarella has the best texture, but fresh mozzarella torn into pieces can also be used.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds a sharp, salty punch that balances the creamy base. A sprinkle on top helps form a delicious crust as the bake finishes in the oven.

Seasonings
Simple pantry spices like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper boost the flavor of the chicken and blend with the sauce. Red pepper flakes are optional but great if you like a bit of heat.

Fresh Basil (optional)
A few leaves of chopped basil sprinkled on top after baking adds color and a final touch of freshness.

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How to Make It – Step by Step

Step 1: Heat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking from the start.

Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This builds flavor before the sauce even hits.

Step 3: Create the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the pesto, heavy cream, and softened cream cheese. Stir until fairly smooth — it doesn’t need to be perfect. The heat from the oven will finish the job.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Pour the creamy pesto mixture over the chicken. Make sure each piece is covered well. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the top, followed by a layer of Parmesan.

Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes to gently cook the chicken and begin melting the cheese.

Step 6: Finish Baking Uncovered
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the cheese melted, golden, and bubbling.

Step 7: Optional Broil for Browning
For a crispier cheese topping, switch your oven to broil and cook for 2–3 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Step 8: Let It Sit
Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This helps the sauce settle and makes serving easier.

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Tips & Alternatives

Tips for Success

• If your chicken breasts are very thick, slice them in half horizontally for faster, more even cooking.

• Let your cream cheese soften before mixing to avoid lumps in the sauce.

• Taste your pesto before using — some jarred versions are saltier than others, so adjust seasoning accordingly.

Ingredient Variations

• Vegetables: Add baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, or halved cherry tomatoes before baking for extra nutrition.

• Different Cheeses: Blend in provolone, gouda, or fontina for a more complex flavor.

• Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of red chili paste or cayenne if you like a bit of kick.

Substitutions

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.

• For dairy-free versions, use vegan pesto, coconut cream, and plant-based cheese.

• Swap in alternative pestos — roasted red pepper or almond kale pesto both work beautifully.

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Serving Ideas

This cheesy chicken bake is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a few simple sides take it to the next level.

Great Pairings

• Pasta: Serve over penne, spaghetti, or orzo to soak up the creamy sauce.

• Rice: Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice works well.

• Bread: A side of warm sourdough or garlic bread makes it even more indulgent.

• Vegetables: Pair with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a fresh side salad for contrast.

When to Serve It

• Ideal for weeknight meals when you want something quick but cozy.

• Great for casual dinner guests — looks impressive without extra effort.

• Works for meal prep — reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day.

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Nutrition Snapshot

This dish is rich and flavorful, but with balanced portions and the right pairings, it can suit a variety of eating plans.

High in Protein
Each serving provides plenty of lean protein from the chicken, helping you stay full and fueled.

Fat Content
The cheese and cream contribute richness, making the dish satisfying with smaller portions. For a lighter meal, use reduced-fat cheese or serve with plenty of vegetables.

Low Carb Friendly
This recipe contains minimal carbs on its own, making it a great option for those following low-carb or keto-style eating.

Micronutrient Boost
Thanks to pesto and cheese, you get antioxidants, calcium, and healthy fats in every bite. Add vegetables to round out the nutrition.

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Common Questions

1. Can I make this with thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless thighs are slightly fattier but stay moist during baking. Just increase the cook time by 5–10 minutes if needed.

2. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes. You can freeze the assembled dish (before baking) or freeze leftovers after cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

3. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can skip it, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. A spoonful of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can work as a substitute.

4. How do I know the chicken is done?
The safest method is to check the internal temperature — it should reach 165°F (74°C). You can also cut into the thickest part to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.

5. Can I use leftover or pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Layer shredded or sliced cooked chicken in the dish, pour over the sauce, and bake uncovered until heated through and bubbly — about 20–25 minutes.

6. How do I store and reheat this?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until hot, or use a microwave with a splash of cream to loosen the sauce.

7. Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

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