Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole

Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chunks of chicken with hearty penne pasta, all coated in a flavorful pesto sauce. This casserole is a great way to switch up your regular pasta routine and add some variety to your dinner menu. With its creamy and cheesy texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole
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Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

1 hr

Total Time:

1 hr 15 mins

Servings:

12

Yield:

12 servings

Ingredients

Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole
½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (16 ounce) box penne pasta
6 cups cubed cooked chicken
4 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
1 (15 ounce) jar pesto sauce
1 ½ cups milk

Directions

Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole

Step 1

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a small bowl until evenly moistened; set aside.

Step 2

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the penne, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.

Step 3

Meanwhile, combine the chicken in a bowl with the Italian cheese blend, spinach, tomatoes, alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, and milk. Stir in the pasta once done, and scoop into the prepared baking dish. Top with the bread crumb mixture.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown on top, 40 to 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

760

Calories

47g

Fat

41g

Carbs

45g

Protein

Complement

The combination of the vibrant green pesto sauce with the golden brown chicken and al dente pasta creates a visually appealing dish that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. The flavors of the pesto, chicken, and pasta meld together beautifully in this casserole, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests at a dinner party, Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.