Cheesy Chicken and Pesto Pasta Bake
By M&S Food
Published on 01 June 2026
Whip up this comforting chicken pasta bake from M&S, featuring oozing mozzarella and bright basil pesto. Tender chicken, a rich tomato sauce and perfectly al dente rigatoni come together under a golden, bubbling top for the kind of family dinner everyone can dig into. Promising big flavour and easy assembly, it’s a proper midweek winner that practically cooks itself.
Time and servings
1 hrTotal time
5Servings
30 minsPrep time
30 minsCooking time
Ingredients
- 380g M&S Rigatoni
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 650g M&S Oakham Gold Skinless Chicken Breast Fillets, cut into bitesize pieces
- 150g M&S frozen soffritto
- 1 red pepper, finely diced
- 90g M&S Everything Tomato, Garlic and Herb Paste
- 1 tbsp M&S Italian Style Seasoning
- 2 x 40g tins chopped Italian tomatoes
- 125g M&S Italian Fior di Latte mozzarella
- 100g green pesto
Method
Step 1
Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to the boil, add the pasta and cook according to the pack instructions for 9 mins, or until just al dente. Drain and set aside.Step 2
Return the pan to a medium-high heat. Add the olive oil then chicken and cook for 8–10 mins until golden brown.Step 3
Stir through the soffritto and red pepper, then cook for 7 mins, until softened.Step 4
Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning and chopped tomatoes. Simmer for 7–10 mins until the sauce has thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.Step 5
Remove the pan from the heat and stir through the cooked rigatoni. Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish (approx. 24cm x 39cm).Step 6
Tear over the mozzarella and dollop the green pesto on top. Bake in the oven for 25–30 mins until golden and bubbling.