Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole

4.6
(743)

Creamy, flavorful and so easy to fix. This meal-in-one will wow family and friends. Makes a lot, so freeze some or halve the recipe.

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Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole
131
131
131
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
12 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 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

  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.

  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.

  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.

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

    close up view of Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole in a baking dish
    Alanna

Cook’s Note

I make my own Alfredo sauce and use 2 cups in place of the jarred sauce.

1,098 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

760 Calories
47g Fat
41g Carbs
45g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 760
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 47g 61%
Saturated Fat 18g 91%
Cholesterol 114mg 38%
Sodium 1210mg 53%
Total Carbohydrate 41g 15%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 45g 91%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 684mg 53%
Iron 4mg 22%
Potassium 542mg 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.