Best 11 Pesto Chicken Penne Casserole Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our pesto chicken penne casserole, a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This delectable dish features tender chicken enveloped in a creamy pesto sauce, nestled amidst perfectly cooked penne pasta. As you dig in, the vibrant flavors of basil, garlic, and pine nuts dance on your palate, complemented by the rich and savory notes of Parmesan cheese. But that's not all; this recipe also includes variations to suit your preferences. Craving a vegetarian delight? Simply swap the chicken for grilled vegetables, creating a symphony of colors and textures. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, igniting a fiery passion in every bite. And if you're a cheese enthusiast, sprinkle some extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top, allowing it to melt and create a golden-brown crust. Whichever way you choose to savor it, our pesto chicken penne casserole promises an unforgettable culinary experience.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

CHICKEN PESTO PASTA



Chicken Pesto Pasta image

Rich and creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake with tomatoes, whole wheat noodles, bright pesto, and Greek yogurt. Healthy, freezer friendly, and flavor packed!

Provided by Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Categories     Dinner     Main Course

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound DeLallo Whole Wheat Pasta
1 6.35 ounce jar DeLallo Simply Pesto (Traditional Pesto flavor)
1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach (thawed with as much of the liquid squeezed out as possible.)
2 pints cherry tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and provolone)
¼ cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped, divided)
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the diced chicken. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until golden on all sides and fully cooked through, about 4 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside.
  • In a large stockpot of boiling, generously salted water, cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid, then drain. Return pasta to the stockpot.
  • While the pasta cooks, in a small bowl, whisk together the pesto and Greek yogurt until evenly combined.
  • Stir in the spinach, breaking it up as needed and stirring until evenly combined.
  • To the stockpot with the pasta, add the pesto/Greek yogurt mixture. Gently stir to coat the noodles in the pesto mixture. If the sauce is too thick, splash in some of the pasta water. It should be a little saucy.
  • Add the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Gently toss to combine.
  • Pour half of the pasta into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 cup mozzarella and half of the basil. Layer the remaining half of the pasta over the top, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and just barely starts to turn golden. Remove and sprinkle immediately with the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 (of 10), Calories 300 kcal, Carbohydrate 33 g, Protein 25 g, Fat 7 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 47 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 4 g

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 PASTA WITH CHICKEN



Pesto Pasta with Chicken image

Easy and delicious pasta with chicken. Serve with crusty bread and salad for a quick dinner. Use as much or as little pesto sauce as you like. Using homemade pesto will taste even better, but it adds to prep time. Enjoy!

Provided by Kristin

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 ounce) package bow tie pasta
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
crushed red pepper flakes to taste
⅓ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and cut into strips
½ cup pesto sauce

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 oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic until tender, then stir in chicken. Season with red pepper flakes. Cook until chicken is golden, and cooked through.
  • In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and pesto. Toss to coat evenly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 328 calories, Carbohydrate 43.3 g, Cholesterol 22.1 mg, Fat 10.1 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 17.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 153.5 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

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

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.

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.

PESTO CHICKEN PENNE



Pesto Chicken Penne image

A convenient pesto sauce mix provides the pleasant basil flavor in this simple chicken and pasta combination from Beth Martin Sine of Faulkner, Maryland. This entree requires little effort, yet seems elegant.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 4-6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 ounces penne or any medium pasta
1 envelope pesto sauce mix
3/4 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cups cubed cooked chicken or turkey
Shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, whisk the pesto mix, milk and oil. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. , Add chicken; heat through. Drain pasta. Add to the sauce and toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts :

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

PESTO CHICKEN FLORENTINE



Pesto Chicken Florentine image

Extremely rich combination of chicken, spinach and creamy pesto sauce. Serve with crunchy bread and romaine salad--it's the best!

Provided by MINERFAMILY

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into strips
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 (4.5 ounce) package dry Alfredo sauce mix
2 tablespoons pesto
1 (8 ounce) package dry penne pasta
1 tablespoon grated Romano cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic, saute for 1 minute; then add chicken and cook for 7 to 8 minutes on each side. When chicken is close to being cooked through (no longer pink inside), add spinach and saute all together for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, prepare Alfredo sauce according to package directions. When finished, stir in 2 tablespoons pesto; set aside.
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain.
  • Add chicken/spinach mixture to pasta, then stir in pesto/Alfredo sauce. Mix well, top with cheese and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 571.6 calories, Carbohydrate 57.3 g, Cholesterol 84.2 mg, Fat 19.3 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 41.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 1707.1 mg, Sugar 2 g

CAPRESE CHICKEN CASSEROLE WITH PESTO



Caprese Chicken Casserole with Pesto image

I decided to combine two of my favorite things: casserole and caprese salad. I wasn't sure how this casserole was going to turn out because it was a little on-the-fly. However, I was pleasantly surprised and it was great! This is a really easy dish to make, and it is unique enough to intrigue any guests you invite for dinner. Enjoy!

Provided by Cheesecurdinparadise

Time 1h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 (4 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons salted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ medium onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 ½ tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups chicken stock
1 (8 ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 ½ cups quick-cooking brown rice
salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
⅔ cup chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon pine nuts
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, halved
¼ cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Place chicken thighs in a large pot and pour in water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 20 to 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove chicken to a plate and shred with 2 forks.
  • Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and saute an additional 2 minutes. Whisk in flour and stir until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, being careful not to burn, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in chicken stock, 1/2 cup at a time.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Add shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese to the onions; stir until well incorporated. Add diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Add rice and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil. Spoon mixture into a 9-inch square baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly, 30 to 35 minutes.
  • While the casserole is baking, combine basil, pine nuts, salt, pepper, and garlic for pesto sauce in a food processor; pulse until blended. Pour olive oil in slowly, with the processor running, until mixture is smooth.
  • Remove casserole from the oven and top with pesto sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 438.4 calories, Carbohydrate 24.2 g, Cholesterol 75.2 mg, Fat 28.9 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 20.2 g, SaturatedFat 10.7 g, Sodium 606.1 mg, Sugar 3.3 g

Tips:

  • To save time, use store-bought pesto sauce.
  • For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or milk.
  • Add a variety of vegetables to the casserole, such as broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms.
  • Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese before baking.
  • Serve the casserole with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion:

This pesto chicken penne casserole is an easy and delicious weeknight meal. It is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit with the whole family. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, give this pesto chicken penne casserole a try. You won't be disappointed!

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