Best 8 Creamy Pesto Chicken Casserole Recipes

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Indulge in a creamy and flavorful culinary experience with our Creamy Pesto Chicken Casserole, a dish that blends the vibrant flavors of pesto, tender chicken, and a velvety sauce to create a delightful casserole. This recipe combines the aromatic freshness of basil pesto, juicy chicken, and a creamy sauce, all baked together to perfection. The result is a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. Accompany it with our delectable side dishes like Garlic Butter Green Beans, a simple yet flavorful dish that complements the richness of the casserole. For a delightful appetizer, try our Caprese Salad Skewers, combining fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves for a refreshing start to your meal. And to satisfy your sweet cravings, indulge in our Easy Blueberry Muffins, a classic treat bursting with sweet blueberries and a tender crumb.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

PESTO CHICKEN RECIPE WITH VEGETABLES



Pesto Chicken Recipe with Vegetables image

One-pan chicken pesto and vegetables makes the perfect weeknight meal in 20 minutes! I recommend homemade pesto for this recipe, but you can totally use store-bought pesto for a shortcut if you need to.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories     Main Course

Number Of Ingredients 13

1.5 lb chicken breast cutlets
Salt and Pepper
Extra virgin olive oil
1 zucchini (cut into half moons)
1 red bell pepper (cored and cut into strips)
½ red onion (sliced)
1 cup about 5 oz grape tomatoes
1/3 cup basil pesto ((homemade or store-bought) )
1/3 cup cream
Juice of ½ lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
Toasted pine nuts for garnish (optional)
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • Pat chicken breast cutlets dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides. (Boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used, simply cut them in half horizontally so that you have thinner pieces. Watch the video to see how I do this).
  • In large cast iron skillet, heat a little bit of extra virgin olive oil (about 2 tbsp) until shimmering but not smoking in a cast iron skillet. Add chicken to the heated skillet and cook over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning over once. Remove from the skillet and set aside for now.
  • If needed, add a little bit more extra virgin olive oil to the skillet. Add zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and grape tomatoes. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes or so, tossing occasionally, until the veggies have softened.
  • In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, mix together the basil pesto and cream.
  • Add the chicken back to the skillet. Pour the pesto and cream mixture in. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for a minute or so.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat, add lemon juice and lemon zest. Add pine nuts and fresh basil for garnish. Serve hot with your favorite grain or plain orzo pasta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 245.8 kcal, Carbohydrate 4.6 g, Protein 25.7 g, Fat 13.3 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Cholesterol 91.8 mg, Sodium 269.2 mg, Fiber 1.1 g, Sugar 2.5 g, ServingSize 1 serving

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

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

CHICKEN WITH PESTO CREAM



Chicken with Pesto Cream image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup fresh basil leaves
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons pine nuts
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, for pesto, plus 2 tablespoons, for chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons salted butter
1 small red onion, sliced
2 bunches rainbow chard, leaves torn, thick, bottom half of stalks discarded
1 lemon, juiced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup mixed yellow and red cherry tomatoes, halved

Steps:

  • In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, add the basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, half of the garlic, salt and black pepper and pulse to combine. With the food processor running, drizzle in the 1/3 cup olive oil until the sauce comes together and is smooth. Set aside.
  • Slice the chicken breast in half horizontally so you have 8 thinner cutlets. Sprinkle both sides of each cutlet with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon each butter and olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the cutlets and cook through, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove to a plate. Repeat with the remaining cutlets.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil along with the red onion and remaining sliced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the rainbow chard and cook, stirring, until lightly wilted, about 1 minute. Add the lemon juice and stir for an additional 30 seconds. Remove to a plate.
  • Without cleaning the skillet, add the cream and heat for 1 minute. Stir in about a third of a cup of the pesto and return the chicken to the pan. Bring to a simmer and allow to thicken, 1 to 2 minutes. (Refrigerate the remaining pesto in an air tight container for up to 5 days.)
  • Make a bed of rainbow chard on a large platter. Top with the chicken cutlets and drizzle the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the tomatoes and serve.

PESTO CHICKEN SKILLET SUPPER



Pesto Chicken Skillet Supper image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 16m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 large zucchini, halved and sliced into 1/4-inch half-moons
1 large summer squash, halved and sliced into 1/4-inch half-moons
2 cups chopped kale
1/2 cup yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red grape tomatoes, halved
2 ears corn, shucked and kernels removed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup store-bought basil pesto
1/4 cup heavy cream
Juice of 1/2 lemon
One 5-ounce Parmesan wedge, grated

Steps:

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the olive oil to the skillet, throw in the chicken and brown on all sides, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove and reserve.
  • Add the onions, zucchini and squash and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes. Move those vegetables to the edges of the skillet and add the kale, tomatoes, corn and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the kale turns bright green, an additional, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the pesto and cream.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet along with any juices. Add the pesto cream and reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring, for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and grated Parmesan. Enjoy.

CREAMY PESTO CHICKEN



Creamy Pesto Chicken image

All the flavors of Italian pesto (fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and garlic) in a simple creamy sauce. Also works well with thinly sliced pork tenderloin. Add a splash of milk or cream for a slightly thinner sauce. Serve over rice or pasta with extra Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top.

Provided by JODIE4

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into strips
4 large cloves garlic, sliced
3 ½ tablespoons sherry
¼ cup pine nuts
½ cup chopped fresh basil
1 (8 ounce) container reduced fat sour cream
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Mix the garlic and sherry into the skillet. Cook and stir until all the liquid has been reduced and the chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.
  • Mix the pine nuts into the skillet, and cook 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, and mix in the basil, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and pepper. Continue cooking until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 311.4 calories, Carbohydrate 7.7 g, Cholesterol 86 mg, Fat 17.9 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 28.6 g, SaturatedFat 6.6 g, Sodium 210.1 mg, Sugar 0.5 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 AND RICE BAKE



Pesto Chicken and Rice Bake image

This is a comforting casserole which requires just a few ingredients and in less than an hour dinner will be ready. For little ones, it's best to chop the tenders into bite-sized pieces.

Provided by thedailygourmet

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Baked and Roasted     Breasts

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

cooking spray
1 ¾ cups water, divided
1 (6.9 ounce) package chicken-flavored rice and vermicelli mix
¼ cup basil pesto, divided
1 pound chicken tenderloins, tendons removed
½ cup Alfredo sauce
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray an 8-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
  • Mix 1 1/2 cups water together with rice, seasoning packets, and 2 tablespoons pesto. Pour mixture into the casserole dish.
  • Toss chicken tenders with remaining pesto in a shallow dish. Place chicken on top of the rice.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • Mix remaining water with Alfredo sauce. Remove dish from the oven and pour Alfredo sauce over the chicken, stirring to combine. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake until cheese melts, about 15 minutes more. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 443.4 calories, Carbohydrate 40.4 g, Cholesterol 75.9 mg, Fat 16.3 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 34.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 1116.5 mg, Sugar 2.7 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially for the pesto. Fresh basil will give the dish the best flavor.
  • If you don't have a food processor, you can make the pesto by hand. Just chop the basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese very finely.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of pesto in the casserole to your taste. If you like a lot of pesto flavor, add more. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less.
  • You can use any type of chicken in this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are both good choices.
  • If you don't have heavy cream, you can use milk or half-and-half instead. However, the casserole will be less creamy.
  • Serve the casserole hot with a side of rice or pasta.

Conclusion:

This creamy pesto chicken casserole is a delicious and easy weeknight meal. It's perfect for busy families or anyone who loves creamy pasta dishes. With its creamy pesto sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

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