Some nights call for a dinner that’s warm, cheesy, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy. This Air Fryer Cheesy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is exactly that kind of meal. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and comes together with simple ingredients I usually already have in the kitchen.
As a mom and wife, I’m always looking for dinners that feel hearty and satisfying but don’t leave me juggling a million pots and pans. Using the air fryer for this pasta bake makes it so much easier. The top gets bubbly and golden, the inside stays creamy and tender, and I don’t have to heat up the whole oven — which is a huge win on busy evenings.
Between the juicy chicken, herby pesto, and gooey melted cheese, this is one of those meals that disappears fast and gets requested again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta bake hits that perfect balance of comfort and flavor.
You’ll love it because:
- It’s creamy and cheesy without being complicated
- Store-bought pesto adds big flavor with zero extra work
- The air fryer gives you a golden, bubbly top
- It’s a great way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken
- It reheats beautifully for lunch the next day
It’s cozy, filling, and family-approved.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work great)
- 1½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat
How to Make Air Fryer Cheesy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta in salted water until just al dente. Since it will cook a bit more in the air fryer, you don’t want it too soft. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the pesto, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
This mixture should look creamy and slightly green from the pesto. It’s the base that coats every bite of pasta.
3. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, and spinach (if using) into the bowl with the sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
Fold in half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mixing some cheese inside makes the bake extra creamy and flavorful, not just cheesy on top.
4. Assemble the Pasta Bake
Lightly grease a baking dish or pan that fits inside your air fryer basket.
Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
5. Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes.
Place the dish in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
If the top starts browning too quickly, you can loosely place a piece of foil over it for the last few minutes.
6. Let It Rest
Carefully remove the dish from the air fryer and let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes scooping easier.
Tips for the Best Pasta Bake
- Don’t overcook the pasta at first — al dente is perfect
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time
- Halve the cherry tomatoes so they soften and release flavor
- Shred your own cheese if possible for smoother melting
The air fryer works like a mini oven here, giving you that baked finish in less time.
For more chicken cooking tips, don’t miss my full air fryer chicken recipe guide.
Easy Swaps and Variations
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how flexible it is.
You can:
- Swap chicken for cooked turkey or even Italian sausage
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes
- Add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini
- Use a dairy-free cream and vegan cheese to make it dairy-free
It’s a great “clean out the fridge” kind of dinner.
What to Serve With Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake
This dish is rich and creamy, so I like pairing it with something fresh and simple.
Try serving it with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or a warm baguette
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- A simple cucumber and tomato salad
The freshness balances the cheesy pasta perfectly.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place a portion in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 4–6 minutes, or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of cream or milk if it looks a little dry.
This also makes a great next-day lunch — the flavors get even better.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Cheesy Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake is one of those dinners that makes everyone feel full, happy, and a little extra cozy. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with herby pesto flavor, all with minimal effort and cleanup.
For busy family nights, this is exactly the kind of recipe I reach for — comforting, reliable, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table fast. And when there are no leftovers? That’s when you know it’s a keeper. 💚🧀
