Best 7 Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Pesto chicken penne casserole is a delectable dish that combines the vibrant flavors of pesto, tender chicken, and penne pasta in a creamy and cheesy sauce. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. From simple weeknight dinners to special gatherings, this casserole promises to impress with its rich and satisfying flavors.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

PENNE WITH CHICKEN AND PESTO



Penne with Chicken and Pesto image

I sometimes substitute chicken broth for half the heavy cream called for in the recipe to reduce calories. I also use additional Parmesan.

Provided by MARYSTEVE

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into thin strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste
1 ¼ cups heavy cream
¼ cup pesto
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute chicken and garlic until chicken is almost cooked. Reduce heat and stir in salt, pepper, cream, pesto and Parmesan cheese. Cook until chicken is no longer pink inside. Stir in cooked pasta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 497.1 calories, Carbohydrate 42.6 g, Cholesterol 96.9 mg, Fat 26.1 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 12.6 g, Sodium 164.2 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

PESTO-CHICKEN PENNE CASSEROLES



Pesto-Chicken Penne Casseroles image

Creamy, flavorful and so easy to fix, this meal-in-one will wow family and friends. Get ready for recipe requests for this easy chicken casserole! -Laura Kayser, Ankeny, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 2 casseroles (6 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta
6 cups cubed cooked chicken
4 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 jar (15 ounces) Alfredo sauce
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
1 jar (8.1 ounces) prepared pesto
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chicken, cheese blend, spinach, tomatoes, Alfredo sauce, milk and pesto. Drain pasta and add to chicken mixture; toss to coat., Transfer to 2 greased 8-in. square baking dishes. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and oil; sprinkle over casseroles., Cover and freeze 1 casserole for up to 3 months. Cover and bake the remaining casserole at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly., To use frozen casserole: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 612 calories, Fat 30g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 111mg cholesterol, Sodium 829mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 42g protein.

PESTO CHICKEN PENNE CASSEROLE



Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole image

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.

Provided by Lindalou

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Chicken

Time 1h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

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

Steps:

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

Nutrition Facts : Calories 760.2 calories, Carbohydrate 40.7 g, Cholesterol 114.1 mg, Fat 47.2 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 45.4 g, SaturatedFat 18.2 g, Sodium 1209.9 mg, Sugar 4.2 g

CHICKEN PENNE CASSEROLE



Chicken Penne Casserole image

This is my family's favorite casserole recipe. I make it every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can clean my kitchen and then relax while it bakes. It won't disappoint! -Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1-1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 cup chicken broth
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken, onion, peppers and seasonings; saute until chicken is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer., In a blender, pulse tomatoes and tomato paste, covered, until blended. Add to chicken mixture. Stir in broth; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until slightly thickened, 10-15 minutes. , Drain pasta; toss with chicken mixture. Spoon half of the mixture into a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheeses. Repeat layers. , Cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover; bake until heated through, 15-20 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 579 calories, Fat 28g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 128mg cholesterol, Sodium 1357mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 47g protein.

CREAMY PESTO-CHICKEN CASSEROLE



Creamy Pesto-Chicken Casserole image

Turn store-bought pesto, pasta sauce and grilled chicken breast strips into a comforting casserole.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups uncooked radiatore (nugget) pasta (6 ounces)
1/2 cup chopped drained roasted red bell peppers (from 7-ounce jar)
1/3 cup basil pesto
1/4 cup fat-free (skim) milk
1 container (10 ounces) refrigerated reduced-fat Alfredo sauce
2 packages (6 ounces each) refrigerated grilled chicken breast strips, chopped
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (1 ounce)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°. Spray square baking dish, 8x8x2 inches, with cooking spray.
  • Cook pasta 9 minutes as directed on package. Return to saucepan. Stir in remaining ingredients except cheese. Spoon into baking dish.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake 35 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 520, Carbohydrate 43 g, Cholesterol 110 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 42 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 720 mg

BASIL PESTO CHICKEN CASSEROLE



Basil Pesto Chicken Casserole image

I had a ton of fresh pesto, chicken...just waiting for a new recipe! The amounts are approximate as I just made this up!

Provided by Thea

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (pounded about 1/4 inch thick)
1 cup pesto sauce (i use Flat Iron Steaks With Lemon-Basil Pesto for my pesto sauce)
1 large tomatoes, seeded divided in fourths
1 (8 ounce) package mushrooms, cleaned, sliced divided in fourths
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided in fourths (or more)
2 teaspoons italian seasoning, divided in fourths
1 pinch red pepper flakes, divided in fourths
1 onion, sliced, quartered, divided in fourths
1 (15 ounce) jar spicy red pepper pasta sauce (I use Classico)
corkscrew macaroni, cooked according to directions

Steps:

  • spray a small 11x7 in pan with pam -- preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • spread 1/4 cup of pesto sauce all over each chicken breast, add tomato, mushrooms, cheese, italian seasoning, sprinkle of red pepper flakes and onion. Roll each chicken breast and secure with toothpicks. Place chicken in pan and cover with pasta sauce -- cover with foil and bake until juices run clear -- about 30-45 minutes depending on the size of your chicken breast -- bake another 5 mins with the foil removed -- may sprinkle with parmesean cheese. Serve over hot pasta with a salad and crusty french bread -- Enjoy!

PESTO PENNE WITH ROASTED CHICKEN



Pesto Penne With Roasted Chicken image

One quick stop at the grocery store on my way home from work and I can have this on the table 20 minutes after I arrive home! Recipe is from Midwest Living magazine.

Provided by Hey Jude

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 ounces mostaccioli pasta or 8 ounces bow tie pasta (4 cups)
2 cups broccoli florets
1 (7 ounce) container purchased basil pesto (about 3/4 cup)
2 1/2 cups refrigerated cooked chicken breast strips or 2 1/2 cups leftover cooked chicken
1 (7 ounce) jar roasted sweet red peppers, drained and cut into strips
1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli the last 2 minutes of cooking; drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water; return drained pasta and broccoli to saucepan.
  • In a small bowl, combine pesto and the reserved pasta water.
  • Add chicken, roasted red sweet peppers and pesto mixture to pasta in saucepan; toss gently to coat; heat through over medium heat; add 1/4 cup cheese to pasta mixture and toss to combine.
  • Divide among 4 pasta bowls and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired; top with ground black pepper and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 581, Fat 17.2, SaturatedFat 5.7, Cholesterol 82.5, Sodium 218.6, Carbohydrate 74.1, Fiber 26.2, Sugar 3, Protein 43.6

Tips:

  • Use fresh basil for the pesto: Fresh basil has a more vibrant flavor than dried basil, and it will give your casserole a more authentic taste.
  • Roast the chicken breasts before adding them to the casserole: This will help to keep them moist and flavorful.
  • Use a good quality penne pasta: A good quality pasta will hold its shape better and won't get mushy.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, or until it is al dente (still slightly firm to the bite).
  • Use a combination of cheeses: A combination of cheeses will give your casserole a more complex flavor. Try using a combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many ways to customize this casserole. Try adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.

Conclusion:

Pesto chicken penne casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is made with roasted chicken breasts, penne pasta, pesto, and a combination of cheeses. This casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Related Topics