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Chicken Pesto Casserole

Chicken Pesto Casserole

A comforting and flavorful Chicken Pesto Casserole made with tender chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together, allowing the garlic to coat the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pesto, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
  6. Add the cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Stir everything together until evenly coated with the pesto sauce. Add half the mozzarella cheese and all the Parmesan. Mix thoroughly.
  7. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.