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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the rich and satisfying nature of Baked Pesto Alfredo Chicken Penne. This delightful recipe combines the creamy goodness of Alfredo sauce with the vibrant, herbaceous notes of pesto, creating a meal that is as comforting as it is delicious. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this dish is a versatile option that caters to a variety of palates while delivering a robust flavor experience.

Baked Pesto Alfredo Chicken Penne

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Baked Pesto Alfredo Chicken Penne—a delightful blend of creamy Alfredo and vibrant pesto that your whole family will love. This one-dish meal is easy to prepare ahead of time and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Featuring tender chicken, satisfying penne pasta, and a cheesy topping, it's a flavor-packed dish that promises to bring smiles to the dinner table. Elevate your meal experience with this delicious recipe!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups penne pasta

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast

1 cup homemade or store-bought pesto

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ensuring it doesn’t stick together.

      Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, or until fragrant. Carefully pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

        Combine Ingredients: To the skillet, stir in the pesto and Italian seasoning, mixing well. Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup) to the sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to mix until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.

          Mix Pasta and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the shredded chicken. Pour the pesto Alfredo sauce over the pasta and chicken, ensuring everything is well coated and evenly distributed.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.

              Add Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle the remaining half cup of Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the pasta mixture.

                Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and turns a lovely golden brown.

                  Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a vibrant touch.

                    Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Baked Pesto Alfredo Chicken Penne paired perfectly with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread!

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6