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Before diving into the culinary experience of making Baked Pesto Alfredo Chicken Penne, it's crucial to prepare your kitchen for success. Preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) allows for an even cooking environment, ensuring that your dish will bake beautifully. Gathering all your ingredients ahead of time—such as penne pasta, cooked chicken, pesto, heavy cream, garlic, and cheese—will streamline the cooking process and help prevent any last-minute scrambling. This preparation not only saves time but also allows you to focus on the enjoyment of cooking.

Baked Pesto Alfredo Chicken Penne

Discover the comfort of Baked Pesto Alfredo Chicken Penne, a dish that beautifully combines creamy Alfredo sauce with vibrant pesto, enveloping perfectly cooked penne pasta. This easy one-pot recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, allowing for customization based on dietary preferences. With minimal prep and cleanup, you can create a satisfying meal that caters to everyone’s tastes. Enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors that brings loved ones together. Dive into cooking and savor every moment around the table!
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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: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, and bring it to a gentle simmer.

        Combine Ingredients: Stir in the pesto, Italian seasoning, and half of the Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and well combined.

          Combine Pasta and Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, shredded chicken, and the pesto alfredo sauce. Make sure the pasta is well coated.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.

              Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup) and shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.

                Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                  Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                    Enjoy this creamy, flavorful Baked Pesto Alfredo Chicken Penne with a side salad or garlic bread!

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